Tolulope Williams, CEO of Savenhart Investment Limited Technologies (Siltech), in an interview with Autojournal Africa, shares how Siltech’s electric vehicles are shaping a greener future for transportation in Africa. He highlights how Siltech’s electric bikes are tailored to meet the continent’s needs, reforming perceptions and paving the road to Africa’s carbon emission-free tomorrow in his story.
What is Siltech about?
Siltech is a company focused on sustainability in mobility. We are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and similar environmental pollution caused by transportation. When we started Siltech, our goal was to address transportation emissions in Africa by focusing on electric vehicles.
We understand that there is a lot of talk about electric vehicles, but what sets Siltech apart is that we are involved in more than 80 percent of the electric vehicle ecosystem.
We take care of everything related to electric vehicles, from sourcing batteries to delivering your first electric bike or car. We also handle servicing and any other needs you may have. Siltech is involved in the entire electric vehicle ecosystem to ensure a seamless experience for our customers.
You mentioned the ecosystem in Africa prompted the creation of electric bikes. Walk us through the process.
Let’s break it down into two parts. Firstly, let’s consider the mobility ecosystem in Africa. Secondly, let’s delve into the reason behind electric bikes and why they are the perfect fit.
The terrain and affordability in Africa make traditional four-wheelers less appealing to many. Moreover, there’s the issue of range anxiety associated with electric vehicles which is precisely why we focus on electric bikes.
In African cities, efficient logistics are crucial, and agrarian communities heavily depend on bikes for transportation. This is where electric bikes come into play as the must-have vehicles that perfectly meet the needs of Africans, challenging the luxury vehicle stereotype. Ultimately, it’s all about adapting to the ecosystem and embracing electric bikes.
I’m trying to picture how a bike will serve a farmer who has a large farm space. How will the farmer handle the transportation of some of his farm produce?
Yes, very interesting question because we were also thinking about that when we were designing the bikes for agrarian communities. We did a market visibility study and found out that for small-holder farmers, we shouldn’t be thinking of their produce like it’s a truckload of yam.
Some of these produce are quite small and most of them use what we call wheelbarrows to actually transport this produce. Now, most of the electric bikes that we produce can actually drag up to 100 kilograms. That is a lot.
We understand this need and definitely, we want to serve the entire agrarian community. For Siltech, we also manufacture three-wheelers and three-wheelers are the typical tricycles that can also have you know large trailers attached to them to actually carry (farm) produce.
How do you ensure the longevity and durability of these bikes?
Guess what? Research shows electric bikes last longer and are more durable than those with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE).
Unlike ICE bikes, e-bikes use batteries and don’t have parts jamming together, so less maintenance is needed. This means that electric bikes don’t have all those pistons and engine oil that cause wear and tear as they run on batteries, which power a smooth and efficient rotor system. This means less heat and less need for constant maintenance.
In fact, batteries in electric bikes can last up to twenty years based on their composition. And the best part? Electric bikes don’t generate much heat, so you won’t need all those heat-resistant pads and worry about the silencer. It’s all about the battery-powered, long-lasting ride!
So, if you’re looking for a bike with guaranteed longevity, an electric bike is the way to go.
Do they speed as fast as the usual mechanical bikes?
Yes, maybe your typical bikes can match 160 kilometres per hour but then we also have the speed bikes and superbikes and guess what, we have electric bikes that are Speed bikes, fast bikes and Superbikes that can go as high as 300 kilometres per hour.
We have electric Formula 1 bikes for sale at Siltech. In case you want to be a biker and you’re thinking as a biker, you cannot get those, they are here. We also have the ones that will do 120 or 140 that are okay within your estates, something cosy and not too fast
Again, it works on the rotor system. The idea of having to change gears or is moving from one speed to another, that risk is totally removed. It’s all about the bike even having speed limits and all Siltech World bikes come with speed limits to make sure that you don’t even go above board.
How do you anticipate the electric bike evolve in the future?
In the future, we anticipate a remarkable evolution of electric bikes. Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed significant innovations, showing that EVs, particularly bikes, are the way forward in Africa.
Recently, at COP 27, the Conference of Parties on climate change, the African carbon market initiative emerged. This initiative allows individuals to sell carbon credits and earn money. Riding electric bikes saves emissions, and you can sell those savings on the carbon market to make some extra cash.
In Nigeria, we’re leading the way in emission transition trading schemes and collaborating with the Federal Government. Industries and factories have emission limits, and if they exceed them, they must buy credits. With verified carbon credits from Siltech World, you can benefit financially while contributing to the environment.
Developed countries are already planning to phase out diesel and petrol-run vehicles by 2035. Africa cannot afford to rely on outdated technologies; instead, we must embrace electric vehicles. The demand for electric bikes will rise, offering both financial opportunities and emission savings.
Moreover, Climate change is a real concern, and we must take action now to protect our future. Africa’s youthful population loves to explore and is passionate about the environment and this generation is ready to embrace the EV market, especially electric bikes.
What are the recommendations you would provide for someone thinking to acquire one?
When considering acquiring an electric bike from Siltech World, there are various options to cater to your specific needs. We offer a range of bikes suitable for different purposes, such as commuting, leisure riding, patrolling, logistics, and more.
For those seeking comfortable rides within estates or shorter distances, we have e-scooters with a wider base and chassis, providing stability while riding. These are ideal for easy navigation and can be customised to suit individual preferences.
If you require a bike for security, patrolling, or logistics purposes, we have bikes tailored to meet those demands. These bikes are built for rugged terrains and long-lasting performance, ensuring reliable operations even during extended usage.
When deciding on the right electric bike, it’s crucial to consider your specific use case. Are you commuting to work, running errands within your neighbourhood, or exploring rough terrains? Knowing your purpose will help us recommend the most suitable bike for you, reducing any concerns about range anxiety.
At Siltech World, we prioritise customer satisfaction. Our user-friendly website allows you to ask questions and seek advice on the perfect electric bike for your needs. So, communicate your requirements, and we’ll be delighted to guide you towards the best recommendation tailored just for you.
In the near future, do you see e-bikes phasing out the mechanical bikes we are used to right now?
Yes, I do see e-bikes gradually phasing out the traditional mechanical bikes we use now. However, it won’t happen in the near future, but rather over time. Both types of bikes will coexist, creating a mix of options for users.
It’s important to note that a complete phase-out may not be feasible as there are various reasons people and industries rely on mechanical bikes. Transitioning to e-bikes will take time, and during this period, a mix of both types will remain prevalent.
Looking ahead to the future, say around 2045, we might witness a scenario where traditional mechanical bikes become less common on the roads due to the continuous evolution of technology and the emergence of even better alternatives.
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