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Nigeria’s leading vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM), has officially unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV), marking a monumental achievement in the country’s automotive industry. This historic event took place in Nnewi, Anambra State, home to Innoson’s manufacturing plant, and signals a bold move towards embracing sustainable transportation solutions in Nigeria.

The company’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Cornel Osigwe, made the announcement on social media after personally test-driving the new vehicle. “I just test drove the first Innoson electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting,” Osigwe stated, generating excitement about the company’s foray into the electric vehicle market.

Innoson’s move into EV production comes at a crucial time, as global trends shift toward cleaner energy and eco-friendly transportation. Nigeria, like many other nations, is facing the challenge of reducing its carbon emissions while also grappling with rising fuel costs. Electric vehicles, powered by rechargeable batteries, offer a practical alternative to traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars, providing a greener and more cost-effective option for drivers.

Osigwe’s test drive follows an earlier announcement made by Innoson nearly a year ago, where the company revealed its intentions to establish a dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing plant. Chairman Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma spearheaded this initiative, aiming to position IVM as a leader in Nigeria’s budding EV industry.

Although details regarding the EV’s specifications, pricing, production capacity, and commercial release are yet to be disclosed, this unveiling represents a significant step forward in making locally produced electric vehicles accessible to Nigerians.

While this is Innoson’s first electric vehicle, Nigeria’s EV market has been gradually gaining momentum. Several companies have already entered the space, including notable players like MAX, Jet Motor Company, Savenhart Investment Limited Technology (Siltech), Possible EVs, and the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC). These firms are pioneering efforts to electrify Nigeria’s vehicle fleet, aligning with the government’s goal of making 30% of all vehicles in the country electric by 2025.

In addition to passenger vehicles, companies like Spiro have introduced electric motorcycles in partnership with the Ogun State government, establishing battery swap stations to support this growing sector.

The timing of Innoson’s electric vehicle debut could not be more appropriate. With Nigeria experiencing significant fuel price hikes, the appeal of electric vehicles has never been stronger. As EVs rely on electricity instead of fuel, they present an attractive alternative for drivers looking to reduce their dependency on petrol and diesel. This has also had an impact on ride-hailing services like Bolt, which recently raised fares by 15% in response to rising fuel costs.

For everyday Nigerians and businesses alike, Innoson’s entry into the EV market could provide much-needed relief and a pathway to more sustainable transportation options.

Innoson’s unveiling of its first electric vehicle underscores Nigeria’s potential to become a key player in Africa’s electric vehicle market. As the country continues to embrace electric mobility, the introduction of locally produced EVs could stimulate further investment, job creation, and technological innovation in the automotive industry.

With its manufacturing expertise and deep understanding of the local market, Innoson is well-positioned to lead Nigeria’s transition to electric vehicles, making eco-friendly transportation a reality for millions of Nigerians.