Chinese automotive manufacturer Dongfeng has partnered with ePureMotion to enter the Kenyan electric vehicle (EV) market, beginning with the introduction of two models of passenger electric cars.
The partnership marks Dongfeng’s first move into Kenya’s EV segment through locally supported retail and service operations.
The initial rollout includes the ePureCitie compact hatchback models in Classic and Lux trims. The Classic variant, priced at Sh4 million, offers an estimated driving range of 330 kilometres (km), while the Lux version, retailing at Sh4.5 million, delivers an extended range of about 430 km and includes advanced driver assistance systems.
The vehicles are currently imported as fully built and are positioned for urban commuting, corporate fleets, and ride-hailing applications. ePureMotion has also confirmed a collaboration with Associated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) to begin local assembly of selected Dongfeng electric vehicle models in Kenya to benefit from tax incentives.
Assemblers of electric vehicles are exempt from the 35 percent import duty levied on fully-built units shipped into the country. They also pay a lower excise duty of 10 percent.
The lower taxation helps assemblers to lower their costs and boost their competitiveness in Kenya’s new vehicle market.
According to the company, the move is intended to support Kenya’s industrialisation agenda by lowering vehicle costs, improving spare parts availability, and enabling quicker response to market demand as volumes increase.
“ePureMotion confirms collaboration with AVA (Associated Vehicle Assemblers) to begin local assembly of Dongfeng EVs in Kenya, supporting Kenya’s industrialisation agenda,” Mr Gilbert Saggia, ePure Motion’s founder and chief executive officer told the Business Daily.
“So the manufacturer of the actual vehicle is Dongfeng. We’ll assemble it next year."
Dongfeng plans to introduce additional electric passenger vehicles and light commercial EVs into the Kenyan market in the first quarter of 2026. These models will target private buyers, corporate fleets, logistics operators, and public-sector users.
“More Dongfeng models next quarter, national charging expansion, and increased local assembly with AVA,” said Mr Saggia when asked about future plans.
Dongfeng already has an established presence in Kenya through its commercial vehicle operations, with DFAC Kenya Ltd serving as the authorised distributor and assembler of Dongfeng trucks in the country.
The partnership between Dongfeng and ePureMotion also brings an integrated electric vehicle showroom and charging technology centre, bringing together EV sales, charging solutions, after-sales support, and accessories.
Dongfeng joins the few companies that are locally assembling electric cars, as much of the output has so far been in two-wheelers and buses.
According to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, electric vehicles in the country have been on an upward trajectory with 6,442 registered electric vehicles (EVs) as of June 2025 attributed to growth in charging points.
The Kenyan startup has set up charging stations in a few malls across Nairobi, expanding access and convenience for EV users.
