While the “breaking point” in the Nigerian market for electric mobility may not be reached anytime soon, continued investments by automotive players show that Electric Vehicles (EV) will displace combustion engines and gain a significant share of world markets soon enough. A key part of this steady evolution is the development of the infrastructure needed to support EV operations.
E-mobility will contribute to balancing energy demand, energy storage and environmental sustainability, which would help in diversifying the energy needed to move people and goods.
Also, E-mobility has offered a solution to air pollution caused by emissions from combustion engines, since it does not rely on burning petrol or diesel. It produces zero emissions; coupled with the reduction of carbon emissions, electric vehicles also provide major contributions to keep the world on track to meet its climate goals.
Furthermore, these EVs are fast, smoother, safer and noiseless for the environment. They also provide a major boost to the economic and industrial competitiveness, attracting investments.
But this isn’t the first time that electric vehicles have been hailed as the future, and the market is yet to get to a retentive stage. Don’t consumers want Electric Vehicles?
While the transport industry has done its part to increase consumer appetite for EVs, many people still have concerns. Issues include the higher price compared to the conventional combustion engine and fear of being stranded by a flat battery and a lack of charging infrastructure, so-called ‘range anxiety.’
It’s true that electric vehicles still lag in terms of price and possible travelling distance, but they’re catching up.
Startups are stirring up the system
While established transport businesses seem to be playing their parts, young tech companies and social entrepreneurs are exhibiting a definite future in the electric vehicle market by developing affordable, sustainable electric vehicles and tackling infrastructure problems.
For instance, Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) has been innovative in the area of electric mobility through its MAX E-series motorcycles. MAX is a trailblazer in Africa’s moto-taxi space and is committed to its mission of consistently creating social impact across Africa.
This, we consider as the right path forward in realizing a safer environment and an electric future that guarantees more nature/pocket-friendly, soundless, and comfortable mobility.
However, the availability of adequate charging infrastructure is one of the key requirements for accelerated adoption of electric vehicles. This is why, across our locations and leveraging various partnerships, charging and battery swapping infrastructure are being put in place.
These solar-powered infrastructures will ensure drivers can charge their vehicles with ease, this includes in rural communities as well.
