As a consumer, it’s easy to think that electric vehicles are a relatively new thing. Well, according to Forbes Magazine, you might be shocked to learn that the first electric car in the U.S. hit the open road in 1890. Although William Morrison’s electric vehicle only hit a top speed of 14 miles per hour, this electrified ride jump started America’s interest in EVs.
Sales of electric cars (including fully electric and plug-in hybrids) doubled in 2021 to a new record of 6.6 million, with more now sold each week than in the whole of 2012. Research has shown that electric cars emit fewer greenhouse gases and air pollutants than petrol or diesel cars. And this takes into account their production and electricity generation to keep them running.
Trademark hotel, 4-star family-friendly hotel located in Gigiri has become the first urban hotel in the region to launch Electric Vehicles for guest transfers. The initiative is aimed at diversifying the transportation fleet to meet the needs of an industry that is constantly evolving with travelers actively seeking hotels and destinations that are environmentally conscious while also helping to reduce their guests’ carbon footprint during their stay.
The initial launch comprises of four Nissan Leaf fully electric vehicles with an electric motor and battery as the source of power, instead of an internal combustion engine. The vehicles comprising of 2018 and 2019 models have a 40 kWh battery and 110 kW motor, which can comfortably provide 250 km of range.
They are high performance EVs, with 5 seats, 435 litres of boot space, and a 5 star NCAP safety rating.
On Monday 9th January at the official launch of this project, invited guests not only had a first hand experience to see the cars but also got to understand various initiatives taken by the hotel on sustainability and conservation of energy, water and waste. The cars are part of a bigger sustainability initiative by the Village Market and Tribe Hotels Group in spearheading and accelerating Kenya’s agenda for a cleaner and greener ecosystem.
According to the UNEP, at a national level, more than 50 low and middle-income countries are supported with the introduction and shift to electric mobility through the Programme and associated projects such as the SOLUTIONS+ project implemented by the Urban Electric Mobility Initiative (UEMI). The introduction of electric vehicles is often the first step to overcoming challenges and barriers to electric mobility and is critical to its wider adoption around the world.
In attendance at the Monday launch of the electric cars: Cabinet Secretary (CS) for the Environment and Forestry, Roselinda Soipan Tuya, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei, Ambassadors and High Commissioners, UN agencies executive directors, Tourism and Hotel industry stakeholders, media and many others.