Friday, May 15, 2026

Nigeria, Chinese firm partner to build EV plants with 70,000-unit capacity

Nigeria is set to take a major step in electric vehicle manufacturing after Hybrid Motors Nigeria signed a partnership with a Chinese automotive firm to establish large-scale production facilities in Lagos and Abuja.

The agreement brings together Hybrid Motors Nigeria and Launch Design to jointly develop electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants with a combined annual capacity of 70,000 units, Daily Trust reported.

The partnership will support the production of “Acely,” an indigenous automobile brand designed specifically for Nigerian roads and driving conditions. Both companies said the collaboration combines local market understanding with global engineering expertise to strengthen Nigeria’s automotive sector.

Chief Executive Officer Jubril Arogundade said the initiative marks a significant step toward building a strong domestic auto industry, adding that the goal is to produce vehicles that meet international standards while remaining tailored for local needs.

His counterpart at Launch Design, Wang Xun, said the partnership offers an opportunity to contribute to Africa’s growing automotive manufacturing landscape, highlighting the role of engineering capabilities in supporting the venture.

Under the agreement, the Lagos facility will serve as the main production and assembly hub with an annual capacity of 50,000 units. Located along the Lekki-Epe corridor, the plant is expected to benefit from proximity to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, supporting exports to markets including Ghana, Benin, Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.

The Abuja plant, with a capacity of 20,000 units annually, will function as a secondary production and technology centre, catering to northern Nigeria and neighbouring Sahel countries.

The companies said the dual-location strategy will help reduce logistics costs, improve operational efficiency and create jobs across different regions.

The “Acely” vehicles will focus on energy efficiency and advanced technologies suited to Nigeria’s terrain and climate, while supporting the gradual shift toward electric and hybrid mobility.

The project aligns with the Federal Government’s National Automotive Industry Development Plan, which aims to expand local vehicle production and attract investment into the sector.

Industry observers say the move could play a key role in advancing Nigeria’s clean mobility goals while strengthening its position in Africa’s automotive manufacturing space.

By Vivek Waghmode, BIO Energy Times


Video - Nigeria, China partner to build EV plants

No comments:

Post a Comment