Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM) has announced the launch of its first locally produced electric vehicle.Head of Communications and Corporate Affairs at IVM, Cornel Osigwe, shared the milestone on Facebook, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the Nigerian automotive industry.

According to Isigwe, the electric vehicle was manufactured at IVM’s state-of-the-art production facility in Nnewi, Anambra State, marking a significant advancement in the country’s automotive sector.

He said: “I just test-drove the first Innoson electric vehicle produced in Nnewi. We are just starting.” Osigwe said this is IVM’s inaugural foray into electric vehicle production, but the details on the pricing, number of units produced, and the timeline for commercial release were not disclosed. He, however, claimed that the initial batch of the cars was completely sold out.

He revealed that since posting the video, the company has received hundreds of calls and upfront payments from interested clients who want to be the first to drive the Innoson Electric Vehicle. “My inbox was filled with inquiries on the prices. The first set, which are a few, are now sold out,” Osigwe said.

Electric vehicles play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions from road transport, which accounts for over 15 per cent of global energy-related emissions, as reported by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The electric vehicle market has experienced notable growth in recent years, driven by advancements in range, model variety, and performance. As of 2023, electric passenger cars represent approximately 18 per cent of new car sales, reflecting their increasing popularity and the global shift towards sustainable transport solutions.