The EV Revolution Is Coming to Nigeria – But When?
Let me be honest with you – I never thought I’d see electric vehicles on Lagos roads in my lifetime. Growing up, the idea of cars that didn’t use petrol seemed like something from a sci-fi movie or even a sponsored ad on Television. Yet here we are in 2025, and the global EV revolution is finally making its way to Nigeria, albeit slowly. But that’s not the real question here. The real question is Are we ready for electric vehicles? What’s holding us back? And most importantly, what opportunities could this transition bring?
The Hard Truth: Our Current Challenges
Let’s address the elephant in the room – Nigeria faces some serious hurdles when it comes to EV adoption:
Electricity? What electricity? I don’t need to tell you about our power situation. The irony isn’t lost on me – how do you charge an electric car when you can’t even power your home consistently? The national grid struggles to meet current demands, and without reliable power, EVs simply won’t work for most Nigerians.
The naira situation. With the exchange rate challenges we’ve been facing, imported EVs remain painfully expensive. A Hyundai Kona Electric costs over ₦50 million – that’s way beyond what most Nigerians can afford.
Where’s the infrastructure? I can count the number of public charging stations in Lagos on one hand. For those living in apartments without dedicated parking (which is most of us), where exactly are we supposed to charge these vehicles?
Technical expertise gap. We have thousands of mechanics who can fix your Toyota or Honda blindfolded, but how many can troubleshoot an EV’s battery management system? The skills gap is real and will take time to address.
Beyond the Challenges: The Silver Linings
Despite these obstacles, I’m cautiously optimistic about our EV future:
Local assembly is happening. Companies like Jet Motors are already assembling electric vehicles in Nigeria. Their JET EV minibus is designed specifically for Nigerian roads and conditions. This could make EVs more affordable and create jobs in the process.
Solar + EV = A perfect match. Nigeria has abundant sunshine. As solar technology becomes more affordable, the combination of home solar systems and EVs could offer energy independence from both the national grid and fuel stations. Imagine never having to visit a filling station again!
New business opportunities. Every disruption creates new opportunities. From charging station operators to EV mechanics, battery recycling to ride-sharing services focused on green transport – the potential for new businesses is significant.
Cleaner cities. If you’ve ever been stuck in Lagos traffic breathing in fumes, you’ll appreciate the environmental benefits. EVs could significantly improve air quality in our congested urban centers.
Government Policy: The Missing Piece?
The truth is, without supportive government policies, mass EV adoption in Nigeria will remain a distant dream. Countries that have successfully transitioned to electric mobility have used a combination of:
- Import duty reductions for EVs and their components
- Tax incentives for EV owners
- Investment in public charging infrastructure
- Skills development programs
The good news? The Federal Government has begun discussions on a national electric mobility policy. The bad news? We’re still in the early stages, and implementation could take years.
My Personal Take
Would I buy an EV in Nigeria today? Probably not. The practical challenges are still too great for most of us. But am I excited about what’s coming in the next 5-10 years? Absolutely. The global automotive industry is undeniably shifting toward electric. Major manufacturers have announced plans to phase out internal combustion engines entirely. Nigeria can either prepare for this transition or be forced to adapt later.
For now, hybrid vehicles might be the sensible middle ground – offering fuel efficiency while we build the infrastructure for full electrification.
