BODAWERK
BODAWERK
A CUTTING-EDGE BATTERY SOLUTION: UGANDA
Developer: BODAWERK International Ltd
Support Secured: BODAWERK has secured support from the DOEN Foundation and the CarbonTrust / PREO to pilot their agriculture technologies and business models in Apac, Northern Uganda. Other than that, they have not yet secured support and remain an 100% privately financed Ugandan company.
Retail Price for e-boda: USD 1500 for a new boda. The conversion kit is ~550 USD
Website: bodawerk.com
The Challenge
Transport is one of the sectors with the highest carbon dioxide and dangerous particle emissions. In Kampala alone, the number of boda boda riders is estimated at 200,000, these rely on fossil fuels which pollute the air and have a negative impact on climate change.
Only about 10% of the computers that reach their end life in Uganda reach the waste stream, the rest are kept without being used. In the waste stream, 10% are collected by individuals and the rest are informally sold as materials and parts or dumped. This implies that Uganda continues to accumulate huge waste stocks.
The Solution
BODAWERK has designed a smart battery using recycled laptop batteries that can hold up to 4.6kWh of power. The smart battery is capable of powering a home for up to 2 days, moving 100km on two wheels, ploughing half an acre of land with the E-Trak, threshing 20 sacks of maize, or moving for 45 mins on the water.
With e-mobilities like the e-boda, e-outboard, the e-tuktuk and e-wheely, BODAWERK aims to have positive environmental impacts by reducing the reliance of drivers on fossil fuels.
The Impact
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WORK TO DATE:
The company has trained more than 50 individuals in innovative trades
By utilizing the old batteries found in broken laptops, power tools and other appliances, BODAWERK has produced power banks and torches, giving new life to these old batteries.
BODAWERK provides and services e-Tuk-tuks used for transportation of equipment such as oxygen gas cylinders, orthopaedic equipment, medical supplies and clothing around Mulago hospital.
In partnership with Noor Medical, BODAWERK has developed the hybriclave: this is an autoclave designed to sterilize medical instruments in low-resource settings using solar energy or by placing it on other heat sources, such as cookstoves.
The e-wheely has helped give back autonomy to people with disabilities(PWDs) and supported their integration into social and economic life.
BODAWERK estimates that boda boda riders can double their income by switching to the E-boda as it reduces their expenditures on fuel and maintenance because the e-boda has fewer moving parts in the electric power train.
As of 2020, the Kampala workshop can produce up to 100 bikes per month
Next Stage:
Expand to an additional workshop for mass production of the E-bodas.
The E-bodas motor is currently rated at 2000W, but BODAWERK plans to move to a 3000W motor which will increase the range to over 100km with one rider.