Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) has unveiled its first locally produced electric vehicle, marking a significant milestone for the Nigerian automotive industry. Known for reducing the nation’s reliance on imported vehicles, Innoson is now positioning itself to lead Africa’s transition to electric mobility.
The company’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Cornel Osigwe, shared the news via Facebook, announcing, “I just test drove the first Innoson electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting.” The vehicle was manufactured at the company’s production plant in Nnewi, Anambra State.
However, details on the pricing, production volume, and commercial release timeline of the Innoson EV have not yet been disclosed.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as essential for decarbonizing road transport, a sector that accounts for over 15% of global energy-related emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In recent years, EV sales have grown significantly due to improved performance, wider model availability, and increased range. In 2023, electric cars made up an estimated 18% of new car sales globally.
In developing countries like Nigeria, however, EV adoption has been slower due to high upfront costs and limited charging infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Nigeria’s recent fuel price hikes following the deregulation of the petroleum sector could present a strong market opportunity for electric vehicles, especially if charging proves more affordable than refueling with petrol.
Nigeria introduced its first locally assembled electric vehicle in 2021—the Hyundai Kona—manufactured by Stallion Motors. This development was part of a pilot program by the National Automotive Industry Design and Development Council (NADDC) and stakeholders, aiming to establish solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations nationwide.
Despite these advances, Nigeria faces significant energy challenges, generating just 5,000 megawatts of electricity against a demand of 40 terawatts. With only 25% of rural populations having access to electricity, and the country experiencing some of the highest electricity costs globally, the expansion of EV infrastructure and usage will require overcoming these hurdles.
As Innoson takes this bold step, it opens new possibilities for the Nigerian automotive industry and the broader shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
