THE CAR NAIRA BLOG

For years, the idea of "Electric Vehicles in Nigeria" has felt like a luxury dream or a tech-bro fantasy. We asked the same questions: “Where do we charge it?” and “Who will fix it when it breaks?” or “Can I use it for long distances?”. But as we settle into 2026, the silence is being broken by the hum of locally assembled electric motors. From the halls of the National Assembly to the manufacturing hubs in Nnewi and Lagos, the "EV Movement" isn't just coming, it’s already parked in some driveways. Some say it’s a revolution, I don’t think it’s quite that yet. The game upped its tempo on January 30, 2026 when the Federal Government signed a landmark deal with South Korea’s Asia Economic Development Committee (AEDC). The goal is to establish Africa’s first structured EV manufacturing plant right here in Nigeria, with a target of 300,000 vehicles annually. This project is expected to create 10,000 direct jobs, moving us from being a "used-car dump" to ...

The Tavet Garent, an EV focused brand from Nord Automobiles, is a bold statement in Africa’s EV landscape. Tavet positions the Garent as “Premium electric sophistication”, blending luxury with cutting-edge EV technology and sleek, futuristic styling, with a focus on minimal drag and modern aesthetics.  It is designed to combine luxury, performance, and sustainability in a package that rivals global leaders while being tailored for African conditions, adapting electric mobility solutions to the continent’s unique needs (infrastructure, climate, and logistics).  Chassis 4-door saloon with 5 seats Dimensions: 4,880mm x 1,895mm x 1,460mm  Wheelbase: 2,915mm  Suspension: Mcpherson (Front), Multi-link (rear) Powertrain  The Garent is offered as a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)/Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV). EREVs carry a small internal combustion engine (ICE) which do not power the wheels but only serve to charge the batteries, sort of like a mobile generator...

Nord Automobiles Limited has officially entered the electric vehicle (EV) market with the unveiling of Tavet Motion, its new subsidiary dedicated to clean mobility. The launch event, held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos in November 2025, brought together government officials, investors, and industry leaders; signaling a major milestone for Nigeria’s automotive sector.  With rising fuel costs, import challenges, and the global shift toward renewable energy, Tavet Motion aims to provide locally built EVs designed for African roads. The company introduced three models:  (i)      Luto – a compact EV for city commuters, offering about 200 km per charge.  (ii)     Garent – a luxury sedan with advanced safety features and a bold design, boasting a claimed range of up to 1,200 km.  (iii)    Vant – a logistics-focused EV capable of carrying over a ton of cargo, with a 305 km range.  Prices start at ₦16 million for and go up to ₦32 millio...

The Nord A5 Luxury is Nord Automobiles’ bold entry into the compact crossover segment; a locally assembled SUV that blends global engineering with regional flair. Built on the proven Changan CS55 Plus platform, the A5 Luxury is tailored for Nigerian roads and tastes, offering a compelling alternative to global heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Exterior Nord’s designers have given the A5 Luxury a distinctive look that sets it apart from its Chinese sibling. The upright stance, SUV-style cladding, and crisp LED lighting front and rear lend it a confident, modern presence. It’s a crossover that looks ready for both Lekki traffic and Abuja highways. Seating Capacity: 5 Body Style: 5-door compact SUV Suspension: MacPherson strut (front), multi-link (rear) Interior Step inside and you’re greeted by a clean, driver-focused cabin. Leatherette upholstery, a semi-digital instrument cluster, and a central touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity come sta...

The Sony Honda Afeela 1 is an innovative all-electric vehicle (EV) developed through a collaboration between Sony and Honda. This joint venture, known as Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), aims to combine Honda's automotive manufacturing expertise with Sony's advanced technology and entertainment capabilities and was just presented at CES 2025. The Afeela 1  comes in two versions: the Origin and the Signature. The Origin starts at $89,900, while the Signature trim is priced at $102,900.  Some key features of the Afeela EV are: - A display screen on the front end that shows the logo, greetings, and other customizable messages. - Advanced Technology: The vehicle is equipped with 40 sensors, including cameras, LiDAR, radars, and ultrasonic sensors, to support advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). - Autonomous Driving: The Afeela 1 includes a suite of autonomous driving features, powered by AI and machine learning, rumored to be subscription-based. - Entertainment: It features Sony H...

The 2024 Nord A3 is a sedan from Nord Motion, a premier Nigerian automobile manufacturer. It  is designed to offer a blend of elegance, sporty performance, and safety features, making it a standout in its class.   It is positioned in the Nord lineup as a refined and luxurious competitor to vehicles such as the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, etc., in the steadily shrinking sedan market.  It's quite commendable that Nord is still putting some skin in the sedan game despite everyone's seeming preference for SUVs today. Prices start at  ₦ 47,280,000. Origin The 2025 Nord A3 was originally designed and built as the Cowin Xuandu by Kaiyi Auto, under the Cherry Automobile Group, in 2021. It was then offered to the Nigerian market in 2024 by Nord Automobiles as the Nord A3. Specifications Build: Unibody Seating Capacity: 5  Body Style: Compact 4-door sedan Layout: Front engine, front-wheel drive (FWD), no AWD available Suspension:...

The Nord Tank is an American-styled midsize pickup truck, assembled and marketed by Nord Automobiles in Nigeria. Designed for both off-road performance and sedan-like comfort, it is a versatile choice for various driving conditions. Origin Initially designed by SG Automotive under the Huanghai Auto brand as the Huanghai N3, the truck was launched in China at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show. In 2023, Nord rebranded it as the Tank for the Nigerian market, positioning it as a full-size pickup truck. Design and Build The Nord Tank features a rugged design tailored for tough terrains and bad roads. It has a high ground clearance and offers an all-wheel-drive system, making it ideal for off-road driving. Despite its ruggedness, the exterior maintains a stylish appearance. Specifications Body Construction : Body on frame Seating Capacity : 5 Body Style : Double cab, short bed Layout : Front engine, Front Wheel Drive (FWD), Four wheel drive (4WD) Suspension: Macpherson (front), Leaf springs (rear...