Is there hope for electric cars in Nigeria?

Electric cars are vehicles that move as a result of an electric motor; an eco-friendly alternative to the internal combustion engine of fossil-fuelled cars. A large traction battery is the only source of power, so they have to be plugged into a wall outlet to renew their expended energy.

The invention of electric cars became prominent because of its many benefits to the ecosystem. And to reduce the drastic effects of climate change. It’s manufacturing and promotion have been adopted by many countries in the world.

  What are the merits of electric cars?

The advantages of using electric cars are numerous. One of which is the reduction in fuel costs. There will be reduced noise and air pollution as there will be minimal CO₂ released into the atmosphere. Furthermore, it is cost-effective and provides a high-quality performance for its users.

Regarding its utilisation, Norway tops the list among the countries with the most electric cars per inhabitant (30.2 electric cars per 1000 inhabitants as of 2018).

This further begs the question of how this has been made possible. The electricity sector in Norway relies principally on hydropower. A major advantage is its topography, abundant steep valleys, and the presence of rivers.

Norway’s government utilised its resources efficiently and is now the most energy-producing country providing electricity (in terawatts) to other European countries. Hence with the vast availability of power, electric cars can function optimally.

How about in Nigeria?

 In Nigeria, the major source of grid electricity is thermal energy (76 per-cent) while the rest comes from hydropower. Electricity in Nigeria is generated, transmitted, and distributed in megawatts of electric power. This is significantly less than what is needed for household and industrial needs.

Going through the resources, Nigeria has adequate water bodies that can be used to generate hydropower and also the weather conditions favour the use of solar energy.

 The present Governor of Lagos state launched the first electric car on Friday, November 13, 2020. He promised that the state government will make provisions for electricity charging points for these vehicles across the state.

But the visible problem isn’t the charging points, it is the provision of adequate power supply.

It suffices to say that should the government channel some of its finances into the production of sustainable clean energy sources there would be a green light for these electric cars to ply our roads.