Nigeria’s premier vehicle manufacturer, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), has unveiled its first locally produced electric vehicle (EV) in Nnewi, Anambra State. This significant development was announced by Cornel Osigwe, the company’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, who shared a video of himself test-driving the vehicle on social media, stating, “I just test drove the first Innoson electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting.”
This marks a major milestone for Innoson, coming ten months after initial discussions on boosting locally made cars and plans for an EV factory were revealed. While this is Innoson’s first electric vehicle, further details about pricing, specifications, production numbers, and the commercial release timeline have not been disclosed yet.
Although this is a first for Innoson, Nigeria already hosts several EV companies, including MAX, Jet Motor Company, Savenhart Investment Limited Technology (Siltech), Possible EVs, and the Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC). The Nigerian government plans to have 30% of all vehicles be electric by 2025, reflecting growing interest in the EV market amid rising fuel costs.
The EV market in Nigeria is still in its infancy but shows promise with growing investments and government support, aiming for a future less dependent on fossil fuels.
