Details: Ksh3M Electric Car Ruto Drove To Africa Climate Summit [PHOTOS]

The Head of State on Sunday, September 3 drove himself to KICC using the same electric car with a mustard-yellow exterior to KICC where he engaged the youths ahead of the three-day Summit.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Sep 4, 2023 - 16:16 Updated: Sep 4, 2023 - 16:23
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Details: Ksh3M Electric Car Ruto Drove To Africa Climate Summit [PHOTOS]
President William Ruto arrives at KICC for the Africa Climate Summit in an electric car on September 4, 2023. /PCS

For the second consecutive day, President William Ruto drove himself to the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the ongoing African Climate Summit in a tiny electric car.

The President was flanked by an all-electric motorcade consisting of three electric cars and electric motorbikes, a departure from the usual security protocol which sees him flanked by no less than 10 cars and five security motorcycles.

The Head of State on Sunday, September 3 drove himself to KICC using the same electric car with a mustard-yellow exterior where he engaged the youths ahead of the three-day Summit.

Viral Tea takes a look at the features of the tiny electric car that turned heads in a space of two days in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).

President William Ruto arrives at KICC for the Africa Climate Summit in an electric car on September 4, 2023. /PCS

The car was manufactured by Chinese automobile company SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW) in Liuzhou, China, with the version used by Ruto assembled in Nairobi dubbed the Autopax Air Yetu electric car, the product of a partnership between Kenyan EV company Autopax and Wuling.

The car, as Wuling describes on its official website, has a compact design and future tech, so it is very suitable for modern users. It is also equipped with various advanced features that can provide convenience, comfort, and no safety factor for its users.

Wuling Air EV Interior & Features

Wuling Air EV is equipped with Internet of Vehicles (IoV) technology innovation or the Wuling Remote Control App that allows cars to be connected to the Internet. One of the advantages of this technological innovation is that the Wuling Air EV can be controlled using the user's smartphone remotely.

Wuling car users can download the MyWuling+ application on smartphone devices, after which they can synchronize the application on their smartphone with the car system, and they will immediately have complete control of the car anywhere.

The IoV or Wuling Remote Control App has many functions that make it very easy for users, including turning on the air conditioner before entering the vehicle to prepare for navigation before starting to drive. In this way, when the smartphone is connected to the car's head unit, the navigation on the car will automatically function.

Wuling Air EV also features the Keyless Entry Remote feature, meaning users do not need to use a key or press a certain button to open and close the electric car door, only through a modern key with intelligent technology wrapped in a practical design.

"In addition to opening and locking car doors, Wuling Air EV also has a Smart Start System feature. This feature helps Wuling Air EV car users turn on or off the engine without the need to use a key or press a button. This method is certainly more practical so as to make your mobility more efficient and practical," Wuling explains in part.

To provide convenience and comfort when driving, the Wuling Air EV car is also equipped with the Intelligent Tech Dashboard feature on the front to provide convenience and comfort when going. This section combines futuristic panels and knobs and an interface screen that is wide enough for comfortable viewing.

There is also a Multifunction Steering Wheel equipped with various audio operation buttons and menu settings that will make it easier for the driver. In the center of the steering wheel, a silver Wuling logo is, embedded which makes it look even more classy and modern in the interior feel.

On the dashboard, the Wuling Air EV is equipped with dual screens or two 10.25-inch Integrated Floating Wide Screens which are positioned right in front of the steering wheel.

There are various buttons, such as an electric window regulator, an Electric Parking Brake safety feature, and Auto Vehicle Holding. The two Integrated Floating Widescreen screens are also very responsive, making it very easy for the driver.

President William Ruto arrives at KICC for the Africa Climate Summit in an electric car on September 4, 2023. /PCS

Additionally, the head unit's entertainment system is already equipped with internet connectivity, so Wuling Air EV users can easily and comfortably make various entertainments to accompany their trip. On the center console, there is also a Rotary Gear Selector decorated with chrome rings which further adds to the futuristic impression of the interior of Wuling Air EV.

Specifications

Under the hood, Wuling comes with 30/50 kW electric motor options with two range options to choose from; 200 and 300 kilometers on a full charge.

The standard range car’s 17.3 KWh battery takes eight and a half hours to be fully charged while for the long-range version, its 26.7 KWh battery takes four hours to charge fully.

Price

Currently, the Wuling Air EV comes with two variants, namely Standard Range and Long Range.

The price of Wuling Air EV for the Standard Range type starts at Ksh2.3 million, while for the Long Range type, the price starts from Ksh2.8 million to Ksh3 million for the Long Range with Charging Pile type, all prices exclusive of tax.

Buyers can choose between two colours; the ‘Lemon Yellow’ President Ruto has been driving and an ‘Avocado Green’ option, even though the car is yet to go on sale in Kenya.

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