Driving Nigeria’s Future: BYD Motors and the Electric Vehicle Revolution
Jerry Adesewo
The global shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) has been rapid, with many countries setting ambitious targets for phasing out petrol and diesel-powered cars. In China, for instance, around 65% of vehicles are already electric, with the government aiming for a full transition by 2030. It was in Klapedia, Lithuania, that I first saw an electronic vehicle, back in June 2019, when I arrived in that coastal city, where a changing point stood gingerly in front of my hotel, and an EV car was being charged. That was five years ago.
Read Also: Buratai Calls for Affordable Green Transportation in Nigeria
Recognizing this trend, BYD Motors Nigeria—a subsidiary of the Chinese electric vehicle giant, Build Your Dream, otherwise known as BYD—has taken bold steps to position Nigeria as a potential hub for EV manufacturing and marketing in West Africa. You can imagine how fulfilling it could be to me, witnessing the birth of electronic vehicles in Nigeria.
Recently, BYD Motors Nigeria, led by Managing Director Moses Ayom, showcased its latest EV models at an exhibition at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre in Gora, Nasarawa State. The event, which brought together policymakers, investors, and automobile industry stakeholders, underscored the potential of EVs in Nigeria, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges that come with adopting electric mobility in the country.
The Case for Electric Vehicles in Nigeria
At the event, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, chairman of the research centre, emphasised the growing need for alternative energy sources and the environmental benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles. According to Buratai, economic realities are forcing Nigerians to re-evaluate their spending habits, and the increasing cost of fuel has made EVs an attractive option.
Beyond cost considerations, the environmental advantages of EVs cannot be ignored. Traditional petrol and diesel vehicles are major contributors to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which have been linked to respiratory diseases and climate change. EVs, on the other hand, produce zero tailpipe emissions**, making them a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
Nigeria has also witnessed erratic fuel supply and periodic petrol price hikes, further strengthening the case for energy-efficient vehicles. According to BYD’s Technical Head, Rhak Argo, the EV models showcased at the event can cover 510km to 610km on a full charge. Additionally, charging a BYD electric car at home on Band A power supply costs approximately N14,000 per full charge, which could last up to a week—significantly lower than the cost of petrol for a comparable mileage.
Furthermore, EV adoption could reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum, which accounts for a significant portion of the country’s foreign exchange expenditure. BYD’s long-term vision includes establishing an EV assembly plant in Nigeria, which could boost local manufacturing, create jobs, and position the country as a major player in the West African auto industry.
Challenges Facing EV Adoption in Nigeria
Despite the numerous advantages, challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles, as Buratai pointed out, is the cost of purchasing electric vehicles. While EVs promise long-term savings on fuel and maintenance, the initial purchase price remains significantly higher than that of petrol or diesel vehicles. Without substantial government incentives or financing options, many Nigerians may find EVs out of reach. It was established that each of the EV cars on display at the exhibition, costs around N100m. That is way beyond what an average Nigerian could afford.
Another major concern is charging infrastructure. Unlike developed nations with extensive EV charging networks, Nigeria lacks a widespread charging infrastructure, making range anxiety a significant issue. Most Nigerian cities and highways are not equipped with public charging stations, meaning that EV owners would largely rely on home charging solutions, which depend on a stable electricity supply—a known challenge in the country.
Moreso, the inconsistent nature of Nigeria’s power supply poses a serious challenge to EV adoption. Frequent power outages and an over-reliance on petrol and diesel generators could undermine the benefits of electric mobility. A user on a lower electricity tariff band, for example, may experience delays in charging, making EV ownership less convenient compared to petrol-powered vehicles.
Another concern is after-sales support and maintenance. While petrol and diesel vehicles have well-established service centres and spare parts markets across the country, EV technology is still relatively new. Mechanics and technicians lack the expertise to repair and maintain EVs, and spare parts may take longer to import. Without proper training programs, Nigeria could face a shortage of qualified EV technicians, leading to high maintenance costs.
Government Policies and the Future of EVs in Nigeria
For electric vehicles to become mainstream in Nigeria, policy interventions are needed. Many countries have introduced subsidies, tax incentives, and grants to encourage EV adoption. In Nigeria, the government could consider import duty waivers, tax breaks for EV manufacturers, and incentives for setting up charging stations.
Another crucial step is investing in renewable energy. If Nigeria can expand its solar and hydroelectric power generation, it would make EV ownership more sustainable and reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity. The Tukur Buratai Research Centre’s collaboration with BYD is a step in the right direction, as it explores ways to make electric vehicles affordable and practical for Nigerians.
Also, public-private partnerships could accelerate the development of EV infrastructure, including charging stations on highways, commercial areas, and residential estates. With proper investment and policy direction, Nigeria could position itself as a leading market for clean energy transportation in Africa.
A Roadmap for EV Adoption in Nigeria
The transition to electric vehicles is not just a technological shift—it is an economic and environmental necessity. As BYD Motors Nigeria and its partners work towards local EV manufacturing and distribution, Nigeria has the potential to become a leader in West Africa’s EV revolution. However, for this to happen, challenges such as high costs, inadequate infrastructure, and power supply issues must be addressed.
The enthusiasm shown at the BYD exhibition at the Tukur Buratai Research Centre indicates a growing interest in EV technology, but much work remains to be done. With government backing, investment in renewable energy, and expansion of charging infrastructure, Nigeria can turn the promise of electric mobility into a reality that benefits the economy, the environment, and the people.
For now, Nigeria stands at a crossroads between the traditional reliance on fossil fuels and the opportunity to embrace a sustainable future. The question remains: Will Nigeria take the bold step towards an electric future, or will it lag as the rest of the world accelerates into the EV age?
Driving Nigeria’s Future: BYD Motors and the Electric Vehicle Revolution