Innoson Unveils Nigeria’s First Locally Manufactured Electric Vehicle

Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), a leading Nigerian automaker, has made history by launching its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) produced at its Nnewi factory in Anambra State. 

Cornel Osigwe, Innoson’s Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs, in a Facebook post after test-driving the vehicle, shared the milestone. “I just test-drove the first Innoson electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting,” he posted.

This significant development comes just ten months after Innoson announced its plans to expand indigenous vehicle production and hinted at building an EV manufacturing plant. In a video accompanying the announcement, Osigwe showcased the test drive, marking a major step forward in the company’s mission to enter the EV market. Previously, Innoson’s Chairman, Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma, had laid the foundation for creating an electric vehicle production hub.

While this is Innoson’s first foray into electric vehicles, key details—such as pricing, technical specifications, production volume, and a market release date—have yet to be disclosed.

Innoson’s venture is a pioneering moment for the company and adds to Nigeria’s growing list of electric vehicle innovators. Other key players in the sector include MAX, Jet Motor Company, Siltech, Possible EVs, and Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC).

Nigeria’s electric vehicle market is gaining momentum, driven by both government initiatives, which target 30% EV adoption by 2025, and rising international interest. Companies like Spiro, in collaboration with the Ogun State government, are already setting up battery swap stations for electric motorcycles.

Innoson’s entry into the EV space is particularly timely given the country’s ongoing fuel price crisis. With surging fuel costs, electric vehicles offer a sustainable and cost-effective alternative, recharged at dedicated charging stations. The fuel hikes have also impacted businesses such as e-hailing services, with Bolt recently raising fares by 15% to support its driver-partners amid rising petrol prices.

Innoson’s move into electric vehicle production signals a promising future for the country’s automotive industry and its transition to sustainable transportation.