In the global race toward electric vehicles, a Tunisian startup is steering in a different direction. Bako Motors is bypassing the need for extensive charging infrastructure by building ultra-compact cars and vans that use solar panels on their roofs to charge their own batteries, offering a pragmatic and affordable solution for sun-rich regions .
Founded in 2021, Bako Motors is tapping into one of Africa’s greatest natural resources—sunshine—to address local challenges such as range anxiety and unreliable power grids . The company claims the solar panels can provide over 50% of the vehicles’ energy needs, generating up to 50 km (31 miles) of free driving per day and roughly 17,000 km (10,563 miles) per year without ever plugging in.
A Strategy Built for Local Impact
Bako Motors’ strategy extends beyond its solar technology. The company is focusing on local production, sourcing over 40% of its parts, including steel and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, from within the region . This approach reduces import costs, creates local jobs, and strengthens the regional economy .
This focus on affordability and local manufacturing sets Bako apart from other solar EV startups, such as the U.S.-based Aptera, whose models are significantly more expensive .
Expansion and Future Outlook
While still small, having produced about 100 vehicles so far, Bako Motors is planning for significant growth. The company is building a second factory in Tunisia, expected to open in late 2026, which will boost its production capacity to 8,000 vehicles per year for markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The company has already begun its regional expansion, with reports of its presence at international auto shows, plans to establish operations in Saudi Arabia, and its first exports to Germany and Qatar.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
