Spiro Strengthens Engineering Capabilities with Acquisition of Coexlion

Nairobi-based e-mobility startup Spiro has acquired UK and India-based engineering consultancy Coexlion, marking a strategic move towards building more resilient and locally adapted electric vehicles (EVs) for the African market.

The Deal Details

Spiro, which raised $100 million in October 2025, announced the acquisition on X (formerly Twitter). While financial terms were not disclosed, industry analysts suggest this is a functional rather than prestige acquisition, given Coexlion’s specific expertise.

Why This Matters for Africa’s E-Mobility Sector

Coexlion brings deep experience in two-wheeler and EV design, with clients including Triumph, Hero, Ather Energy, Ola, and Arc. Their capabilities span the entire product development cycle—from concept to production validation.

Spiro currently has 95,000 electric motorcycles deployed across Africa, operating over 2,500 battery-swapping stations. With this acquisition, the company aims to ensure its vehicles are optimally designed for local conditions like rough terrain, heat, and heavy usage by motorcycle taxi operators.

Building Local Engineering Capacity

As part of the deal, Spiro will establish a dedicated R&D center in Kenya staffed by Coexlion engineers. This move addresses a critical gap in Africa’s EV ecosystem—the need for locally engineered solutions rather than imported designs minimally adapted for African roads.

This acquisition signals a shift towards greater self-sufficiency in the continent’s e-mobility sector, with Spiro seeking to become both the largest operator and most purpose-built manufacturer of electric motorcycles in Africa.