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Car & General has unveiled a new LPG-powered Piaggio three-wheeler in Kenya, offering transport operators a more affordable and environmentally friendly option amid rising fuel prices.
The company launched the Piaggio Ape NXT+ LPG in Nairobi at an event attended by Car & General Chief Executive Officer Vijay Gidoomal and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando.
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According to the company, the new three-wheeler is designed to reduce fuel expenses, with operators expected to save more than 30 percent on fuel costs compared to conventional petrol-powered models.
Car & General says the lower operating costs could help drivers increase their profits while enabling fleet owners and small businesses involved in passenger transport and last-mile delivery to recover their investments more quickly.
Gidoomal noted that the LPG-powered vehicle is intended to boost operators’ earnings by significantly cutting daily running costs, making their businesses more profitable and sustainable.
The launch comes as transport operators continue to face increased operational expenses driven by high fuel prices.
In addition to economic benefits, the company says the vehicle contributes to cleaner urban transport by producing fewer emissions than petrol-powered alternatives, helping improve air quality in towns and cities.
The LPG-powered tuk-tuk also features a quieter engine, which enhances driver comfort while reducing noise pollution in busy urban areas.
Alando described LPG technology as a step toward cleaner and more sustainable urban mobility, noting that it offers both environmental and operational advantages.
The Piaggio Ape NXT+ LPG is equipped with a 20.6-litre LPG tank and a 2.8-litre petrol tank and delivers a maximum power output of 11.3 horsepower. Other features include a redesigned front appearance, increased passenger space, and a built-in music system.
However, industry stakeholders acknowledge that widespread adoption of LPG-powered vehicles may initially face challenges due to the limited availability of LPG refuelling stations, especially in Nairobi and other major urban centres.
Despite this, there is optimism that the refuelling infrastructure will expand over time as demand for alternative fuel vehicles continues to grow.
