Weeks after securing $270 million from African and European investors to accelerate clean transport across the continent, African electric mobility company Spiro has opened its seventh mega battery swap station in Rwanda, expanding its battery-swapping network as it prepares for rising demand across its existing markets.

The new facility significantly increases the company’s capacity in Rwanda, allowing more riders to swap depleted batteries quickly instead of waiting to recharge. The opening also supports Spiro’s investment plan to expand infrastructure and strengthen production across Africa.

Battery-swapping network accelerates in Rwanda

Announcing the milestone, Spiro founder Gagan Gupta said: “Last week, Spiro opened its 7th mega swap station in Rwanda. We can now accommodate 6-12x more batteries in a single location so that riders can stop worrying about their next charge, and simply ride.”

Gupta said demand for electric mobility across Africa continues to exceed expectations, prompting the company to expand its infrastructure ahead of future needs rather than waiting for congestion to build at existing stations. “We are not going to wait for riders to stand in lines before taking our infrastructure to the next level,” he said.

He also credited Rwanda’s early support for electric mobility and the teams behind the project. “None of this would have happened without a government that committed early… And of course, without the amazing teams who have been working on designing this innovation long before demand called for it. And to all countries ready to cut fuel imports and build your own mobility industry: we are ready to stand beside you,” Gupta added.

Fresh capital accelerates African expansion

The expansion comes weeks after Spiro raised a total of $270 million from African and European investors to strengthen its operations across the continent. The financing includes a previously announced $215 million round that moved the company closer to a $1 billion valuation, followed by an additional $55 million investment from China-based growth-stage investor NewTrails Capital. Other investors include Impact Fund Denmark and Equitane Inc.

Gupta said the capital will be used to expand Spiro’s battery-swapping network, increase manufacturing capacity and improve day-to-day services for riders across the seven African countries where the company already operates. The investment will also support infrastructure needed to encourage wider adoption of electric motorcycles.

Spiro is also preparing to enter Malawi, Mali and Ethiopia as it broadens its presence across Africa. The company plans to expand its manufacturing and support facilities in Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda while scaling its battery recycling operation in Nigeria, part of its effort to manage the full lifecycle of its batteries. It is also investing in a 100-megawatt smart energy network designed to improve power availability in markets where electricity supply remains inconsistent.

Spiro’s infrastructure powers electric mobility growth

Spiro currently operates more than 100,000 electric motorcycles and approximately 2,500 battery-swapping stations across Africa. Its battery-swapping model allows riders to replace depleted batteries within minutes rather than waiting for them to recharge, reducing downtime for commercial motorcycle operators whose earnings depend on remaining on the road.

Named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies in 2024, Spiro integrates electric motorcycles, battery-swapping infrastructure, and digital technology for riders and fleet operators. The company says its network has completed more than 15 million battery swaps and supports about 40,000 batteries, reflecting growing demand for electric motorcycles across African markets as persistently high fuel prices push more riders toward lower-cost transport.