Food delivery startup Glovo has partnered with electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer Siltech to utilize its EV bikes and charging ecosystem for deliveries in select areas of Lagos, Nigeria. This strategic collaboration aims to reduce operational costs associated with petrol and maintenance for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles.
As petrol prices continue to rise, businesses across Nigeria are exploring more cost-effective alternatives. Glovo’s move to partner with Siltech reflects a growing trend towards adopting EVs to mitigate the financial impact of high fuel costs.
Tolu Williams, CEO of Siltech, confirmed that Glovo has committed to using Siltech’s comprehensive EV services. This includes access to charging stations, after-sales services, technical support, and battery swap facilities. The initial rollout will take place in Ikate, Lekki, and Victoria Island—areas where Siltech has already established its infrastructure.
A notable feature of Siltech’s offering is the ability to swap drained batteries for fully charged ones within minutes, significantly reducing downtime for delivery riders. The Siltech Ginsu bikes designated for Glovo will be equipped with this battery swap capability.
Despite the signed agreement, a spokesperson for Glovo mentioned that the deployment of EV bikes for deliveries will not commence for a few months. Once operational, Williams anticipates substantial cost savings for Glovo due to the efficiency and affordability of Siltech’s EV services, even though the company will pay for these services at a discounted rate.
Siltech has recently expanded its focus from solely manufacturing EVs to providing a full spectrum of EV services, forming what Williams describes as an “EV ecosystem.” This ecosystem supports various EV users, including Tesla owners, with comprehensive charging and maintenance solutions.
This partnership represents a significant step towards sustainable and cost-effective delivery solutions in Lagos, highlighting the potential of EV technology to transform urban logistics.
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