MAX, a Lagos-based mobility-tech company, has positioned itself at the forefront of Africa’s electric vehicle (EV) transition since its founding in 2015. Originally launched as MAX.ng and later rebranded to MAX Drive, the platform integrates ride-hailing with EV subscriptions, aiming to reduce emissions and empower gig workers across Africa’s busiest cities.
As of 2025, MAX has empowered over 52,000 drivers—known as “Champions”—and completed more than 653 million trips across 18 cities in 4 African countries. Its subscription and rent-to-own models provide motorcycles and tricycles like the M3 and Spiro Ekon at lower operational costs, cutting fuel expenses by nearly half compared to petrol. Drivers pay around N3/km for charging instead of N6/km for petrol, saving as much as N85,000 monthly.
Recent innovations include solar-powered battery swap stations introduced in July 2025. These allow two-minute swaps, reducing downtime for drivers and supporting Lagos’ congested gig economy. With over 3.2 billion kilometers covered, MAX has already saved more than 750 metric tons of CO2, positioning itself as a sustainability leader in Africa’s informal transport sector.
MAX’s mission extends beyond transportation. Its alternative credit-scoring tools give underbanked drivers access to financing, training, and insurance. The company has attracted venture funding—including $7M in 2019 and $31M in 2021—to fuel growth. While some sources mention ambitions of empowering 100 million Africans, verified numbers confirm progress with 52,000 drivers to date.
Compared globally, Tesla and BYD lead in EV adoption, but MAX’s model focuses on Africa’s unique mobility challenges—two-wheelers and tricycles in dense cities. Competitors like Lagride and Bolt are also active, but MAX’s hybrid of ride-hailing, financing, and EV access sets it apart.
Challenges remain: limited charging infrastructure, grid reliability, and high upfront vehicle costs. Still, MAX’s launch of solar-powered battery swaps shows creative ways to tackle these barriers. With Africa’s EV market projected at $17.4 billion by 2025, MAX’s blend of tech and financial inclusion makes it one of the continent’s most influential players.
Looking forward, the company plans broader pan-African expansion, with mentions of entering 10 countries. Its 10-year milestone in 2025 highlights both achievements and the steep road ahead—raising the question: will Africa embrace hybrids and EVs through companies like MAX, or continue leaning on petrol alternatives for the foreseeable future?
