Car & General has unveiled a new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered Piaggio three-wheeler in Kenya, positioning it as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transport solution for operators grappling with rising fuel costs.
The company launched the Piaggio Ape NXT+ LPG in Nairobi during an event attended by Car & General Chief Executive Officer Vijay Gidoomal and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) Chief Executive Officer Tobias Alando.
According to the company, the new model is designed to reduce operating expenses through lower fuel consumption, with operators expected to save more than 30 per cent compared to conventional petrol-powered three-wheelers.
Car & General said the savings could translate into increased earnings for drivers, improved profitability for fleet owners, and quicker returns on investment for businesses engaged in passenger transport and last-mile delivery services.
“This new LPG three-wheeler is designed to put more money into the pockets of our operators,” said Gidoomal.
“With fuel savings of over 30 per cent, operators can significantly lower their running costs and ultimately increase their daily earnings, making their businesses more sustainable.”
The launch comes amid growing pressure on transport operators who continue to face high fuel prices and rising operational costs across the sector.
Beyond its economic benefits, the company said the LPG-powered vehicle offers a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel-powered models by producing lower emissions and contributing to improved air quality in urban areas.
The vehicle also features quieter engine operation, which is expected to enhance driver comfort and reduce noise pollution in densely populated towns and cities.
“Transitioning to LPG is an important step towards cleaner urban mobility,” said Alando.
“This technology reduces harmful emissions while also offering a quieter ride, which improves both the operator’s experience and the urban environment.”
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 fascia, increased passenger space and an integrated music system.
Industry stakeholders, however, noted that adoption of LPG-powered vehicles could initially be slowed by the limited availability of LPG refuelling stations, particularly in Nairobi and other major urban centres.
Despite the infrastructure challenge, players in the sector remain optimistic that investment in alternative fuel networks will increase as demand for cleaner and more affordable transport solutions continues to grow.
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