Tunisia - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Founded in 2021, Bako Motors is a manufacturer of solar electric vehicles suited to micro-mobility and last-mile delivery across Africa. As pioneers in our field, we are committed to democratize sustainable transportation & promote eco-friendly mobility.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Bako Motors is a pioneering startup specializing in the development and production of solar-powered electric vehicles (EVs), based in Tunisia. Our lineup includes innovative models like the Bako BEE, designed for urban micro-mobility, and the commercial vehicle Bako EVAN, tailored for last-mile delivery solutions. We integrate cutting-edge solar technology to enhance range and efficiency, offering up to 300 km of travel with additional daily solar recharge capabilities. Our vehicles are engineered for affordability, boasting significantly lower operating costs compared to conventional fuel-powered vehicles. With a strong emphasis on local manufacturing and sustainability, Bako Motors is dedicated to revolutionizing urban transportation with eco-friendly, cost-effective solutions.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Bako Motors aims to address several key challenges in the transportation sector through its innovative approach: Environmental Impact: By developing solar-powered electric vehicles, Bako Motors seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Cost Efficiency: The high operational costs associated with traditional vehicles, especially in terms of fuel consumption, are a major concern. Bako Motors offers vehicles with significantly lower operating costs due to their reliance on solar energy, making them more affordable to operate and maintain. Urban Mobility: In densely populated urban areas, congestion and pollution from conventional vehicles are significant issues. Bako Motors provides compact and efficient electric vehicles suitable for urban micro-mobility and last-mile delivery, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion. Local Economic Development: By manufacturing vehicles locally in Tunisia, Bako Motors contribu

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

Bako Motors carves out a distinctive niche in the auto-mobility sector as an innovator in green growth, with a value proposition deeply rooted in sustainability and technological advancement. -Sustainable Economy : Our solar electric vehicles are more than just transportation; they're a commitment to creating green jobs and pioneering clean technology. They directly contribute to reducing environmental impact by limiting pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which bolsters the quality of life and promotes social inclusion with accessible, clean, and affordable mobility options. Furthermore, Bako Motors leads the charge in reducing transportation costs, catalyzing sustainable development, and fostering cutting-edge innovation. -Socially: our initiatives are designed to enhance life quality, widen mobility access, and spur job creation. -Environmentally: our vehicles' reduce emissions & promote proactive environmental protection.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

At Bako Motors, our clientele encompasses a broad spectrum, and we serve both the automotive sector and other sectors. Here’s how we’re structured in terms of partnerships and customers: Business-to-Business (B2B): We have customers in the automotive sector, particularly those involved in last-mile delivery services. Our electric vehicles cater to the needs of businesses that require efficient, eco-friendly transportation solutions. Micro-enterprises are also a significant part of our B2B customer base. We provide them with delivery vehicles that aid in the transportation of goods, contributing to their operational efficiency and business growth. Business-to-Consumer (B2C): We target eco-conscious individuals and urban dwellers seeking practical and economical transportation options. Our solar-powered electric vehicles appeal to private customers who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainability.

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-08-27

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

3

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

Boubaker Siala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boubaker-siala-7563b031/ Mehdi Tekaya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdi-tekaya-25068b/ Majdi Ben Ahmouda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majdi-ben-ahmouda-sbm-design Ahmed Ouesleti: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmed-ouesleti/ Rim Khlif: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rim-khlif-siala-46842031/

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://bakomotors.com/, https://www.facebook.com/bakomotors, https://www.instagram.com/bakomotors, https://www.linkedin.com/company/bakomotors/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

c) Industry (equipment, commercial, logistical and professional services, transport)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

3

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

4

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

By creating electric vehicles (EVs) with zero tailpipe emissions, incorporating renewable energy sources into our operations that costs end customers only 1.5TND per 100km. We achieve the objective of inexpensive and clean energy, and recycling, and work on promoting public EV charging infrastructure that runs on renewable energy.

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

In order to promote productive employment, the organization actively offers job opportunities in a variety of roles, including design, engineering, production, and more. Furthermore, we collaborate with microfinance organizations to supply our cars to micro-entrepreneurs, making reasonably priced transportation options more accessible. This is consistent with the goal's emphasis on entrepreneurship and MSME development since it fosters the expansion and commercial operations of micro, small, and medium-sized firms (MSMEs). Bako Motors, a leader in ecologically friendly automobile technologies, stimulates green tech innovation and promotes eco-friendly business ventures. The business supports labor rights and offers respectable working conditions to its employees, which adds to the SDG 8 goal of decent work.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

By implementing solar-powered electric cars and using renewable energy sources into the automobile manufacturing process, We contribute directly to SDG 9. Via the promotion of eco-friendly procedures and technology in the automobile sector, this creative product design supports sustainable manufacture. SDG 9 calls for interdisciplinary innovation, and our distinctive business model combines solar panel integration with automotive expertise.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Bako Motors' solar-powered electric vehicles directly support making cities and communities more sustainable and resilient. Their zero- CO2 emission vehicles help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from urban transportation - a major environmental challenge for cities. We help enhance sustainable transport access for all socio-economic groups, promoting inclusive urbanization. Moreover, the innovative integration of solar panels into vehicles represents adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies, which can inspire green public procurement practices by municipalities. Our core products and last-mile delivery services actively contribute to SDG 11's targets on sustainable transport systems, inclusive urbanization, and transitioning cities towards environmental sustainability through eco-friendly technologies.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

By adopting resource-efficient and energy-saving production techniques, creating environmentally friendly automobiles, and advancing a circular economy, We achieve Sustainable Development Goal 12. The business cuts waste, makes investments in R&D for sustainable ideas, and guarantees ethical and sustainable sourcing throughout its supply chain. In addition, we promote responsible patterns of production and consumption by educating customers about sustainability, offering transparent environmental performance statistics, and abiding with national and international environmental laws.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

Bako Motors actively supports Climate Action by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through solar-powered electric vehicles, minimizing reliance on fossil fuels. Our eco-friendly Bako BEE and Bako EVAN models promote sustainable transportation, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel-powered vehicles. Equipped with solar panels, our vehicles gain an additional 50 km range per day, showcasing renewable energy's potential. We provide cost-effective green mobility solutions, making eco-friendly transportation accessible to a wider audience. This helps accelerate the adoption of sustainable vehicles, contributing significantly to climate goals. Additionally, our operations support green economic growth in Tunisia, creating jobs and fostering innovation in the green tech sector. In summary, Bako Motors is dedicated to climate action by offering innovative, sustainable transportation solutions that reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and support green economies.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

To reduce deforestation and habitat degradation, our industrial techniques place a high priority on the conservation of resources and renewable energy. We contribute to ecosystem restoration and biodiversity preservation. Thanks to our cars' lower emissions, the environment is healthier overall since we are able to protect natural habitats and minimize air pollution.

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

3

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

6

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

3

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

4

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

BAKO Motors distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to sustainable mobility. We lead in the development of solar electric vehicles, pioneering clean technology that reduces carbon emissions and promotes environmental stewardship. Our commitment to innovation extends to advanced battery technologies, enhancing vehicle efficiency and range. We prioritize user-centric design, integrating cutting-edge features that enhance comfort, safety, and connectivity. BAKO Motors stands out not only for its technological advancements but also for its dedication to shaping a sustainable future through accessible and eco-friendly transportation solutions.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS : The electric vehicle landscape is populated by established companies like Ligier, Renault, Musashi, Melex, and DURACAR. Bako Motors excels through its pioneering use of solar-powered technology, setting it apart in the electric vehicle industry. Specializing in compact, electric vehicles like the Bako BEE and commercial model Bako EVAN, the company combines innovation with practicality to meet urban mobility needs efficiently. With a strong commitment to affordability and cost efficiency, Bako Motors ensures its vehicles are not only accessible but also economical to operate and maintain. Emphasizing local manufacturing in Tunisia, Bako Motors reinforces its reliability and sustainability credentials, while a customer-centric approach underscores its dedication to superior service and support. This unique combination positions Bako Motors as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions, poised for continued excellence and impact worldwide.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes, mentoring a few female entrepreneurs in the sectors of CleanTech, AgriTech. I also moderated several events, and was a panelist on others.