Economically developing countries have huge potential that could someday benefit the rest of the world. However, due to various reasons, including internal and external influences, they have been left behind more privileged nations. Rural areas are particularly disadvantaged as poor infrastructure and limited-to-non-existent public or private transport means getting goods to market is both difficult and expensive. New, sustainable solutions to this problem would remove some of the factors limiting the growth of these small businesses.
From Leamington Spa, UK, mobility startup OX Delivers has successfully secured a £1.2 million grant from Innovate UK’s Energy Catalyst program, marking a significant step in its mission to roll out affordable clean transport solutions in Africa.
The grant will specifically support the development of a sustainable energy infrastructure in Rwanda, benefiting OX Delivers’ upcoming next-generation all-electric OX4 Truck. OX Delivers is actively involved in providing reliable and affordable transport-as-a-service, with a focus on transforming lives and fostering economic growth in emerging markets.
Transport-as-a-service model driving social and economic advancement
OX Delivers’ unique transport-as-a-service model enables customers, particularly in the Global South, to access affordable and reliable transport. For less than $1, customers can efficiently transport goods to markets, overcoming the challenges of poor roads. This model has already transformed the lives of thousands of people in Rwanda, allowing farmers and traders to reach larger markets, access better prices, and explore new opportunities.
The Energy Catalyst grant from Innovate UK is a recognition of OX Delivers’ impactful approach to providing clean and affordable transport solutions in developing regions.
Strategic rollout and next-generation OX4 Truck
Simon Davis, Founder & CEO of OX Delivers, expressed excitement in receiving the funding, “We are delighted to not only receive funding from Energy Catalyst but also have the OX Delivers transport-as-a-service model validated as part of the solution required to deliver clean energy, advance economic growth and transform lives in the Global South. We will leverage this grant to demonstrate the benefits of a low-carbon energy ‘charge-point’ infrastructure and provide rural communities with affordable transport. This will support the electrification of two of our current depots to create flagship projects which will further strengthen the OX Delivers business case.”
OX Delivers will commence the build process of the third generation OX4 Truck in March, with a focus on improving design elements based on field learnings and customer feedback. The OX4 will feature advancements such as an improved driving position, enhanced operator visibility, chassis improvements, and a proprietary vehicle control unit for more efficient electric powertrain control.
Growing impact and continued expansion
OX Delivers, with its transport-as-a-service business model, allows customers to pay for the space they need on a kilogram-per-kilometre basis, accessible through an app or toll-free number. The service has witnessed strong demand, supporting over 4,000 customers, including smallholder farmers and traders, with 80% of orders coming from repeat customers.
In addition to the Energy Catalyst funding, OX Delivers has secured grants from the UK government, USAID, and support from angel investors, collectively investing around $10 million in equity. The introduction of the OX4 Truck later this year aims to scale OX Delivers’ impact across East Africa and beyond, targeting three billion people in developing countries without access to affordable, sustainable transport.
About OX Delivers
Founded in the UK in 2020, OX Delivers is a pioneering emobility start-up dedicated to delivering affordable, reliable transport-as-a-service. The company created the first purpose-built electric truck for the Global South, designed to address the unique challenges of Africa’s poor road infrastructure. With a UK base in Leamington Spa and a pilot service in Rwanda, OX Delivers serves businesses of all sizes, from micro-businesses like market traders and farmers to larger corporate clients. The transport-as-a-service model has gained support from angel investors, grant-funded projects, and the UK Government, and with the introduction of the OX4 Truck, OX Delivers aims to continue its strategic rollout across the Global South.
