Spiro, Africa’s leading electric mobility company, has partnered with Yadea, a major global manufacturer of electric two-wheelers, as the companies seek to expand affordable electric transportation across the continent.

The agreement brings together Yadea’s manufacturing and research capabilities with Spiro’s operating network and battery-swapping infrastructure in seven African countries. The companies plan to develop electric mobility solutions for commercial motorcycle operators, delivery businesses, logistics companies and commuters in some of Africa’s fastest-growing transportation markets.

Yadea to supply electric two-wheelers

Under the partnership, Yadea will supply electric two-wheelers and related products adapted to Spiro’s regional markets. Spiro will integrate the vehicles into its battery-swapping and energy network, allowing riders to exchange depleted batteries for charged ones rather than waiting for conventional recharging.

The companies also plan to develop two-wheeler models designed around African road conditions and the demands of commercial riders.

For Spiro founder Gagan Gupta, the partnership reflects the company’s effort to build the infrastructure needed to support a broader shift toward electric transportation.

“When we launched Spiro, our mission was to lay the energy and mobility foundation for Africa’s green transition,” Gupta said. “Our strategic partnership with Yadea is a major endorsement of our execution to date and opens fantastic opportunities to jointly pioneer the next era of electric mobility in emerging markets.”

Spiro CEO Anant Badjatya said combining Yadea’s manufacturing capacity with Spiro’s local operations could help more riders move to electric motorcycles at a lower cost.

“Africa’s shift to electric mobility is accelerating and this partnership helps us meet that demand at scale,” Badjatya said.

Spiro expands battery-swapping network

The deal comes after Spiro raised $270 million in its latest funding round, which included investment from NewTrails Capital, a Chinese fund.

Spiro operates more than 100,000 electric motorcycles and about 2,500 battery-swapping stations across Africa. Its system is designed to reduce downtime for commercial riders, who can replace a depleted battery within minutes and return to work.

The company says its network has completed more than 15 million battery swaps and supports about 40,000 batteries.

Yadea deepens Africa EV push

Yadea, founded in China, has sold more than 100 million electric vehicles in more than 100 countries and operates 10 production facilities. The company also holds more than 2,000 patents related to electric vehicle technology.

The partnership further strengthens commercial ties between Chinese manufacturers and Africa’s growing electric mobility market, where high fuel costs and demand for cheaper transportation are encouraging businesses and riders to consider electric alternatives.

Spiro was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies list in 2024. The company recently opened its seventh mega battery-swapping station in Rwanda as it expands its network and prepares for increased demand across its existing markets.