By Timothy Albrite
We set out from Nairobi’s Sameer Business Park, home to Moja EV, with one goal: to test the limits of the Skyworth Electric SUV on a road trip to Namanga, a popular route that cuts across some of Kenya’s scenic and diverse landscapes.
What better way to experience the potential of this electric vehicle (EV) than to drive it across 160+ kilometers of tarmac, from the capital all the way across the Namanga border into Tanzania?
The car was fully charged, pre-trip checks were complete, and we were ready to hit the road.
Here’s an in-depth review of what to expect from the Skyworth on the road.
First Impressions
As soon as I pressed the accelerator, the first thing that struck me was the complete silence. The Skyworth EV is eerily quiet—so much so, that you almost forget you’re driving at all. Unlike the normal ICE units, the Skyworth has no engine hum, no vibrations, just the sound of the tires on the road. Even knowing this in advance, it’s a wonder how much power lies behind that silence.
Now, the second thing you’ll notice is the instant torque. With electric motors, there’s no lag, no waiting for the engine to rev up which you experience when driving an ICE vehicle. Press the pedal, and you’re off. This car is fast.
The Skyworth is designed to get you up to speed effortlessly, and it does. Whether you’re pulling away from a stoplight, bumps or merging onto the highway, the acceleration is smooth and quick, without hesitation.
I remember after passing a bump and a vehicle was behind me, without much struggle, looking at the side mirror made it seem like the car behind was crawling, but it was not.
Interior space and Comfort
On the inside, the Skyworth makes a strong impression. The cabin is large—really spacious—and it can easily accommodate five adults. There’s plenty of headroom, legroom, and ample storage space for luggage or any other gear you might want to carry. This is not a compact SUV by any means; it’s a large vehicle with a bold presence on the road.
The seats are comfortable, and the materials used in the cabin feel premium. Whether you’re driving or just riding along, you’ll appreciate how much room there is. Long-distance drives? Not a problem. The rear seats are also generously spaced, making this a great car for families or groups of friends.
Handling
Driving the Skyworth introduces a whole new experience. No matter how many years you’ve been on the road, this vehicle will make you adjust and adapt as you go, thanks to its innovative technology and unique features. It’s definitely a learning curve, but in a way that makes the experience more interesting.
The steering wheel requires a little more attention, unlike your normal ICE vehicle. Remember, the car has no lag at all hence the steering wheel is ultra-responsive. You may find it slightly too sensitive, especially when driving on the sports mode. Small movements of the steering wheel seem to translate into noticeable direction changes, which can take some getting used to.
It’s not a major issue, but if you’re not used to such a reactive steering system, it can catch you off guard. Oversteering can easily happen if you’re not paying close attention. With practice, it becomes easier to anticipate how the vehicle responds, but I would recommend taking it slow if you’re used to the feel of more traditional, heavier steering systems. It requires a little more finesse compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Once you adjust, the car feels planted and confident in corners.
Driving on the comfort mode however, offers a smoother and laid-back driving experience. The reduction in steering sensitivity makes it easier to navigate making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and ease.
Braking
One of the things that stood out during our drive was the braking system. The brakes are sharp, responding quickly and decisively with minimal pressure.
If you’re used to a more gradual brake response in ICE vehicles, it can feel a little too abrupt in the Skyworth especially when driving on the Sports mode, but again, that’s something you adapt to fairly quickly. The comfort mode offers a smoother braking experience for those who prefer comfort and ease when driving.
A Head-Turner on the Road
It’s hard to miss the Skyworth when it rolls by. The design is sleek and modern, sharp LED lights, and a shape that screams “futuristic.” Everywhere we stopped, it attracted crowds. People were eager to know more, and the most common question we got was, “Can you really charge it at home?” The curiosity surrounding electric cars in Kenya is growing, and the Skyworth, with its eye-catching design and EV tech, is definitely a conversation starter.
As we pulled into small towns along the way, groups of onlookers gathered, asking about everything from the driving experience to the charging infrastructure in the country. It’s clear that electric vehicles are on the brink of becoming more mainstream in Kenya, and the Skyworth is at the forefront of this change.
The Big Question: Range
Like any electric vehicle, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, How far can it go on a single charge? According to the manufacturer, the Skyworth EV offers a range of up to 489 kilometers when driven optimally; that is speeds between 80-120km/hr. Driving conservatively (below 80km/hr) will give you a range upwards of 620kms, which is impressive by EV standards.
Using the same mechanism as ICE/petrol cars, the way you drive will affect how far you go. The harder you accelerate an ICE vehicle, the more fuel you consume, and the same principle applies to EVs.
Regenerative Braking
One of the features you quickly get used to in any EV is regenerative braking. The Skyworth is no different. As you take your foot off the accelerator, the car starts to slow down on its own, converting some of the kinetic energy into battery power. It’s not a dramatic deceleration, but you’ll notice it when you approach stoplights or need to ease off the throttle. It’s a subtle but effective feature that helps extend your range.
Verdict
After a full day of driving across the Nairobi-Namanga highway and back, the Skyworth EV left me impressed. From the moment we left Sameer Business Park to when we returned, it delivered a smooth, fast, and efficient driving experience. The car is a standout performer on the road, with sharp acceleration, impressive range, and a comfortable, spacious cabin that makes it a perfect option for both city commutes and longer journeys.
Of course, the car’s ultra-responsive steering and sharp braking may take some getting used to, but once you adjust, these features don’t detract from the overall experience.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore the world of EVs or looking to make the switch, this SUV stands ready to take you further into the future of driving.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what makes the Skyworth EV:
Exterior Features:
- Automatic heating and folding of exterior rear-view mirrors
- Inductive front boneless wiper and rear wiper
- Electric rear tailgate with inductive operation
- Stylish body metal paint with front hatch guard
- Silvery decoration at the front and bottom, along with a roof luggage rack
- Remote control central locking with intelligent entry and keyless start
- Battery pre-heating and constant temperature battery management system
- Leather steering wheel for a touch of elegance
Interior Features:
- Comfortable and spacious seating with a leather steering wheel
- Front automatic air conditioner with rear air conditioning outlet
- Roof LED reading lamp for the front row
- Air outlet in the armrest box and front compartment trim cover
- LED storage space lighting and multi-layer sound-absorbing carpet
- Driver’s seat with electric adjustment and front passenger’s seat with manual adjustment
Entertainment and Charging Systems:
- 12.8-inch LCD touchscreen central control colour LCD screen
- 12.3-inch LCD instrument dashboard and onboard computer
- Bluetooth connectivity, DAB radio, and multiple USB ports
- In-vehicle 220V and 12V power supply, along with onboard charging gun and fast/slow charging ports
Safety and Driving Assistance:
- Anti-dazzle of interior rearview mirror and intelligent front and rear wipers
- Tire pressure monitoring, rear seat ISOFIX, and pre-tightening of front seat belt restraint belt
- Height-adjustable front seat belt with a safety belt unfastened reminder
- Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), AUTO HOLD, and Hill Descent Control (HDC)
- Rear parking radar, 360° panoramic image, and HD reversing image with dynamic guidance
- Headlight LED, LED daytime driving lights, and automatic headlight with electric adjustment of headlight height
Power and Performance:
- Pure electricity power type with a 16 Globe cage thermoforming reinforced structure
- Intelligent battery temperature control system and energy recovery greater than 30%
- Charger power of 11kW for efficient charging. The Skyworth supports both fast and slow charging.
