In an effort to improve public transportation in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong launched the country’s very first electric mass transit buses on Tuesday.
Nigeria is preparing to gradually transition from internal combustion engine-powered cars to environmentally friendly electric vehicles (EVs).
The project is a partnership between the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and Oando Clean Energy Limited, Yutong’s partner in Nigeria, to begin proof-of-concept testing with two Yutong electric buses on the Bus Rapid Transit route in Lagos.
The 80-passenger mass transit vehicle includes space for both standing and seated travellers.
The governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said during the formal launch ceremony of the proof-of-concept phase of the electric bus project that the adoption of electric transportation technology is in line with the state’s aim to become a modernised and mechanised megacity.
The governor, who was represented by Frederic Oladeinde, the state’s commissioner for transportation, stated that the state was dedicated to boosting the sustainability of the automotive industry by expanding the number of green vehicles.
The country’s public transport system is eager to contribute positively to lowering carbon emissions, according to the governor. He claimed that the new electric buses will improve efficiency while lowering carbon emissions.
Frank Lee, managing director of Yutong West Africa, told Xinhua on the phone it is a milestone for Yutong as this is the first time the Chinese bus maker launches electric city buses in Nigeria and even in Africa.
“During the proof-of-concept phase and the subsequent formal operation phase, the Yutong team will provide comprehensive and professional training, technical support and maintenance services to ensure the smooth operation of electric buses in Nigeria,” Lee said.
According to him, Yutong wants to produce a mobility solution that is efficient, contemporary, inclusive, and sustainable and hopes to contribute to Nigeria’s growth of sustainable transportation.
The buses include battery packs that, according to Yutong, give them a 280 km range. Additionally, it features DC charging ports and can be completely charged in more than two hours, providing users complete control over their charging and usage schedules.
The project is a partnership between the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority and Oando Clean Energy Limited, Yutong’s partner in Nigeria, to begin proof-of-concept testing with two Yutong electric buses on the Bus Rapid Transit route in Lagos.
