Nigeria’s First Solar Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Station is set to be commissioned by the Federal Government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) today, 8th April 2021.
According to a tweet by the Council, the Solar Powered EV Charging Station was set up by NADDC under the Electric Vehicle Pilot Project in Collaboration with Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto.
What they are saying
Director-General of NADDC, Mr Jelani Aliyu, said that the project was part of the Federal Government’s commitment to the best Nigeria desired by all.
“This is the beginning of a new era for Nigeria as it marks the realisation of the government’s desire to build sustainable technology in the country.
“Moreover, our vision and mission at NADDC are not just to enable the production of vehicles in Nigeria but also to produce the best and most advanced technology vehicles in the country.
“Today, we have inaugurated the first 100 per cent solar energy powered charging station in Nigeria.
“The reason for choosing Sokoto for the pilot project is in consideration of the harsh weather.
“However, such weather has become a blessing for us as we can extract and power our homes, offices and even for industrial consumption.”
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In case you missed it
- The project which is an innovation in the Nigerian automotive industry comes two months after the Federal Government unveiled Hyundai Kona, Nigeria’s first locally assembled electric car, on the 5th February 2021, through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC).
- This innovation is expected to usher in the comprehensive development of the industry by presenting Nigerians with the opportunity to benefit from the gains in renewable and sustainable energy.
READ: FG commissions Made-in-Nigeria vehicles worth N364 billion
Why this matters
With the commissioning of the charging station, Nigeria will join the rest of the world in embracing the recent innovation in energy mobility towards renewable and sustainable energy sources.
This innovation is expected to build on the recent development in the Nigerian automotive sector as the NADDC under the Federal Government moves toward replacing internal combustion engine-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, in a bid to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and cut environmental pollution.
It’s impractical to buy Tesla cars for use on Nigeria roads. A good 90% of these roads are not pliable. Besides, lack of electricity will write a sudden end to the car soon.