BYD has rolled out a fleet of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to SBM Bank Kenya through a leasing arrangement with Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A, marking an early corporate deployment of the models in the country.

The delivery, facilitated by CFAO Mobility’s Kenyan unit, comprises five vehicles: one BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid pickup and four BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicles.

The move underscores growing interest among Kenyan corporates in lower-emission transport options, as the country’s electric mobility sector expands rapidly.

Kenya had more than 24,700 electric vehicles registered by early 2026, representing a 31-fold increase from 2022 levels and a 47% rise in just 18 months, according to industry data.

Electricity consumption linked to EV charging has also surged, rising to 8.43 million kWh in 2025 from 2.92 million kWh in 2024, reflecting accelerating adoption.

“As the pioneer in new energy vehicles, BYD is pleased to see this partnership take shape in Kenya,” said Nicolas Ruffier des Aimes during the handover ceremony, adding that hybrid technology offers a practical path toward cleaner mobility.

SBM Bank Kenya Chief Executive Bhartesh Shah said the deployment aligns with the lender’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency.

“The introduction of plug-in hybrid vehicles allows us to modernise our fleet and significantly cut emissions,” Shah said.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles combine electric propulsion with internal combustion engines, enabling lower fuel consumption without relying fully on charging infrastructure—an advantage in emerging markets where charging networks are still developing.

Industry estimates show EVs can be up to eight times cheaper to operate than conventional petrol or diesel vehicles in Kenya, driven by lower energy and maintenance costs.

Avenue Lease & Rentals E.A said leasing provides organisations with a lower-cost entry into cleaner mobility by removing the need for large upfront capital investment.

The company added that hybrid fleets can deliver immediate emissions reductions while allowing a gradual transition to fully electric vehicles over time.

Kenya is targeting a 32% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, with transport identified as a key sector for decarbonisation. The government is also pushing policies to accelerate adoption, including tax incentives and a target to increase the share of electric mobility in the national fleet.

The partnership is expected to open the door for further fleet deployments and the expansion of supporting services such as charging infrastructure, fleet management and lifecycle optimisation.