All about the bright yellow Sh1.4m electric car driven by President Ruto
In a remarkable departure from traditional presidential motorcades, President William Ruto arrived at the Africa Climate Summit held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi, Kenya, behind the wheel of a vibrant yellow mini-electric car.
The sight of the President personally operating a vehicle has captured the attention of the nation. This is the second day, he has been spotted driving the same electric vehicle to the Summit.
The Africa Climate Summit, a gathering of over 30,000 leaders and investors from Africa and beyond, including 25 Heads of State and government, is dedicated to exploring actionable strategies for Africa’s transition to green energy, fostering a more environmentally friendly future.
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President Ruto’s decision to drive himself to the summit sent a powerful message of commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
As he navigated the electric car, he was accompanied by motorcycle outriders and a convoy of other electric vehicles, a marked departure from the usual fuel-guzzling presidential motorcade.
The electric vehicle chosen by President Ruto is manufactured by Morris Garages (MG), an affiliate of SAIC Motor, the seventh-largest car manufacturer globally.
MG Motors produces three variants: Pace, Play, and Plush. The specific model President Ruto drove is the MG Comet EV, customized as the “Autopax Air EV Yetu” for the local market.
The Autopax Air EV Yetu features include a turning radius of 4.2 meters, a prismatic cell battery with a capacity of 17.3 kWh, a single charge range of 230 kilometres, a 42-horsepower electric motor, and over 55 i-Smart Tech features.
The car’s design incorporates a wheelbase of 2010 mm, McPherson strut front suspension, multi-link coil rear suspension, and electric power steering. It is also equipped with front disc and rear drum brakes.
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Safety is paramount, with the vehicle boasting a high-strength body structure consisting of 17 hot-stamped panels for structural integrity.
It has undergone 39 rigorous tests for vehicle and battery safety. Additional safety features include dual Front Airbags, ABS + EBD, front and rear 3-point seat belts, a rear parking camera and sensor, and a spacious interior.
The car also offers a digital key with Bluetooth technology and a twin-display touchscreen infotainment system.
The Autopax Air EV Yetu accommodates four passengers and comes with a special MG e-Shield 3-3-3-8 package, which includes a 3-year warranty, 3 years of roadside assistance, 3 free labor services (subject to terms and conditions), and an 8-year/20,000-kilometer warranty on the battery pack.
The vehicle measures 2.974 meters in length, 1.505 meters in width, and 1.640 meters in height.
The 2023 Autopax Air EV Yetu model carries a price tag starting from $9,760 (approximately Sh 1,422,910.40), making it an affordable and eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious consumers.
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