Nigeria’s leading automaker, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), has made history by launching its pioneering electric vehicle, proudly designed and manufactured in Nigeria.
According to Cornel Osigwe, Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, the groundbreaking electric car was produced at IVM’s state-of-the-art facility in Nnewi, Anambra State, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s automotive industry.
He said, “I just test drove the first Innoson vehicle Electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting.”
Mr. Osigwe revealed that this marks the company’s first-ever production of an electric vehicle (EV). However, details regarding the pricing of the Innoson EV, number of units produced and the timeline for its commercial release were not disclosed.
Electric vehicles are a crucial technology for decarbonizing road transport, a sector responsible for over 15% of global energy-related emissions, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
In recent years, the sale of electric vehicles has seen significant growth, driven by improved range, a wider variety of models, and enhanced performance. Passenger electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, with an estimated 18% of new cars sold in 2023 being electric.
However, in many developing and emerging countries, sales have lagged due to the typically higher purchase costs compared to conventional vehicles and a limited charging infrastructure.
