Nigeria Launches Indigenous Electric Vehicles in Nasarawa, Marking Sustainable Transport Milestone
Key Insights
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned locally made electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles in Nasarawa State, signaling Nigeria's shift to sustainable transportation.
The initiative, supported by Governor Abdullahi Sule, includes solar-powered charging stations and aims to reduce fossil fuel reliance while addressing transportation challenges.
EMVC CEO Mustapha Audu highlighted the vehicles' capabilities, including SUVs with a 1,200 km range and affordable tricycles designed for Nigerian roads.
The project features lithium batteries, local battery assembly lines, and training hubs to ensure long-term adoption and maintenance of electric vehicles.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commissioned Nigeria’s first locally manufactured electric vehicles, tricycles, and motorcycles in Nasarawa State, marking a significant step in the country’s transition to sustainable transportation. The event, held on Thursday, also showcased Governor Abdullahi Sule’s commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability through legacy infrastructure projects.
Mustapha Audu, CEO of Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), emphasized the global shift toward electric mobility, noting that Nigeria is aligning with international trends as countries phase out compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles by 2030. EMVC’s lineup includes SUVs capable of traveling 1,200 km per charge and sedan models with a 400 km range, tailored for ride-hailing services. The company also produces affordable tricycles and motorcycles, locally known as 'Igwe,' designed for Nigeria’s road conditions.
To support the initiative, EMVC is deploying solar-powered charging stations capable of charging three vehicles simultaneously without relying on the national grid. Audu revealed plans to expand these stations to five locations shortly, with charging costs as low as ₦5,000 per full charge, depending on battery capacity. The vehicles are powered by lithium batteries, reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy usage.
Audu highlighted the economic benefits of electric vehicles, which have fewer than 300 components compared to over 25,000 in traditional vehicles, significantly lowering maintenance costs. EMVC is also establishing battery assembly lines, repair centers, and training hubs across Nasarawa to ensure long-term adoption. Each vehicle comes with a two-year warranty, and the company has trained technicians ready to address electrical issues.
Despite challenges like poor road conditions and climate, Audu expressed confidence in the durability of EMVC’s products, urging Nigerians to embrace this cleaner, cost-effective alternative. The project reflects Nigeria’s broader efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and modernize its transportation sector.