2016 Nissan Leaf being charged

 

The Myth that Electric Cars are not for Nigeria may not be true. As experts in this field we can authoritatively say Electric/Hybrid Cars are meant and suitable to the Nigerian clime. They provide great fuel efficiency and in some cases zero fuel usage. This is very vital in an economy that depends largely on petrol/diesel.

How will they be charge someone may ask? Based on our observation of the average daily mileage of most drivers (from our installed trackers in different vehicles), a charge of about 3-4hrs (with the proper Electric Vehicle Supplying Equipment, otherwise called Electric Vehicle Chargers) will suffice for the average vehicle owner.

In some vehicles, like the Tesla with high electric range (some models exceeding 300miles/480km), a full charge for 10 hours could last up to a week (at 60km per day) before a re-charge will be required. Just recently, a Tesla Model S was spotted in Abuja, Nigeria. There are several other electric car models that are affordable and of high quality.

Other Models like the Toyota Prius Prime (Plugin Hybrid), Nissan Leaf, Smart ForTwo Electric, Chevrolet Volt (Plugin Hybrid), Chevrolet Bolt also provide great electric range.

Another source of concern for many is how to maintain them? While this may be partly true, we have quite a number of auto-mechanics especially in Lagos who are versatile with these vehicles. Not to mention that while Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrids may require some form of maintenance (such as oil change, timing belt change) because they still have an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), Electric Vehicles require very minimal maintenance usually limited to changing tyres, braking pad maintenance and in some cases coolant change (no oil change, timing belt change etc. since no ICE). Maintenance intervals is however usually large.

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Batteries in Hybrid/Electric Vehicles are also not a source of concern in most recent models with some guaranteeing lifetime warranties on their batteries. The key is to engage a professional before purchase. For instance, some early Nissan Leaf models (2011/2012) have been reported to have battery drops faster than expected. We therefore usually recommend going for 2013+ if considering a Nissan  Leaf. These are some of the factors that should be put into consideration when choosing which Hybrid/Electric vehicle to purchase.

With our vehicle purchase program, you can purchase Electric/Hybrid Vehicles which are guaranteed to last several years/mileage. Our engineering team will also help in purchasing and installing the right EVSE to charge any electric vehicle purchased through us.

More articles that may interest you:

What are Electric Vehicles?

Chevrolet Volt: Introduction

Honda Insight – An Overview

 

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