Car Talk
NADDC Unveils Honda Kona EV, Nigeria’s First Electric Car Assembled In Abuja
Nigeria’s first locally assembled electric car, the Hyundai Kona, was officially unveiled by the Federal Government through the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) at the weekend.
The electric car, which was assembled by the Stallion Group Automobile, has been tagged as an innovation that will enable Nigeria and Nigerians to benefit from the gains in renewable and sustainable energy. This innovation will help to foster an eco-friendly environment.
In line with the mandate of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), to ensure the survival, growth and development of the Nigerian Automotive Industry using both local human and material resources, the first assembled-in-Nigeria electric vehicle “HYUNDAI ELECTRIC” vehicle was unveiled on Friday 5th February 2021 at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja by the Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otumba Niyi Adebayo.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General, National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Jelani Aliyu, MFR congratulated the Stallion Group (the parent company of Hyundai Nigeria) for the huge achievement. He said the unveiling of the KONA ELECTRIC VEHICLE is a significant milestone for the Nigerian automotive industry and a strong testimony to the achievements of the National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP).
The Director-General urged Nigerians to embrace new technology which according to him has empowered businesses and energized private sectors through industrialization.
Jelani said the Council is in collaboration with the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, University of Nigeria Nsukka and the University of Lagos on an Electric Vehicle Pilot Technology Transfer program. The KONA ELECTRIC vehicle in this regard would play a pivotal role he stressed.
The NADDC according to him has also reached an advanced stage of discussion with JAIZ bank, Wema bank and Zenith bank to develop a special incentive on a Vehicle Finance Scheme that would enable Nigerians own Made-in-Nigeria vehicles including the KONA ELECTRIC at a single-digit interest rate.
Speaking during the unveiling in Lagos, MD, VON Automobiles, Mr Rohtagi Manish, said that the EV comes with 5 years of battery warranty and 5 years of vehicle warranty. He added that the vehicle will have a starting price of N24 million.
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