In a country where less than half the population has reliable access to electricity, Dodai, a local startup founded by Japanese entrepreneur Yuma Sasaki, is rapidly transforming Ethiopia’s transportation landscape. Since its inception in 2022, Dodai has quickly become the fastest-growing electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer in East Africa, selling 850 units in its first year. The company’s electric motorcycles have become the go-to transport solution for businesses with delivery needs, offering up to 150 kilometers (93 miles) on a single charge.
Dodai’s success can be attributed to its strategic use of lithium-ion batteries—an upgrade over the more commonly used lead-acid batteries found in competitors’ vehicles, like those from China’s San Polo. This energy efficiency gives Dodai’s two-wheelers a distinct edge in a market where battery performance is crucial.
Moreover, Dodai has navigated Ethiopia’s regulatory landscape with creativity. The company partnered with Beatrix, one of the few authorized GPS providers in Ethiopia, to address the mandatory tracking system requirements for new vehicles. This partnership has enabled Dodai to reduce the cost of vehicle registration, including subsidizing license plate fees for its customers. In addition, Dodai has formed an electric vehicle association to streamline the registration process for gig workers, a crucial step in the country’s burgeoning EV ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Dodai is planning to introduce motorcycles with swappable batteries and aims to build 100 battery-swapping stations across Ethiopia by 2025. This innovative approach could further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, which faces energy shortages and environmental challenges.
Dodai’s rapid rise highlights both the potential of electric vehicles in Ethiopia and the vision of Sasaki, whose ability to address local needs through innovation has placed Dodai at the forefront of Ethiopia’s EV revolution.
