WHY MORE NIGERIANS ARE SWITCHING TO ELECTRIC CARS

An electric car charging

A Blog Post by Hadiza Bagudu

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For the longest time, the idea of driving an electric car felt like something out of a sci-fi movie-something reserved for tech billionaires in Silicon Valley or rich characters in Hollywood flicks. It just wasn’t real life. Not for regular people like me and you. Sure, they keep warning us about the carbon footprint and all that, but it didn’t seem urgent enough for most of us to take electric cars seriously.

To be honest, electric cars always seem too expensive and too out of reach. And in Nigeria? Forget it. The conversation wasn’t even happening. Most people didn’t see it as important or even practical.

But recently-very recently-things have started to shift. And its all thanks to one thing-the meteoric rise in fuel prices.

I am not talking about a small increase. An unbelievable one. Between 2023 and now, 2025, the price of fuel in Nigeria has gone absolutely crazy. It started when the government removed the subsidy in May 2023. Back then, fuel was around N617 per liter. By 2024, it had jumped to N1,030. Now, in April 2025, it’s hovering at around N922 to N950 per liter in places like Lagos and Abuja, even with the Dangote Refinery trying to bring down the price to N815 per liter. It is still a lot.

I remember when I used to fill my tank for about N26,000. That was two years ago. Now, that same tank requires N100,000 or more for the same amount of fuel. It’s insane.

So, of course, people started to rethink everything. We are all looking for ways to cut costs and still survive in this hard economy. Life in Nigeria is just too expensive for most people now. And one solution that is starting to make sense for a lot of us, one thing that we didn’t really consider before-is switching to electric cars.

Yes, electric cars are still pricey upfront, no doubt. But in the long run, they can save you a lot. You won’t be queuing for petrol anymore. You won’t be worried about fuel price hikes every other week. And forget those usual car headaches-no more plugs, oil changes, or engine issues that constantly drain your wallet.

If you are lucky enough to have solar at home, even better. You can charge your EV with solar power and literally spend nothing on “fuel.” Zero cost. Just maintain the car well, avoid rough roads, and you are good.

PROS:

The benefits of owning an electric car go beyond just saving money.

·      They are better for the environment: They release fewer emissions-not just when you drive them, but even throughout the car’s entire life cycle. Plus, they don’t have tailpipes, so they help reduce air pollution, which is a big deal in cities like Lagos and Abuja.

·      They are Safer: In fact, many EVs are topping safety charts around the world.

·      Easier to Maintain: With fewer moving parts and no internal combustion engine, you save time and money and a lot of frustration.

·      More Convenient: No more standing in the hot sun or rain at filling stations. Just plug your car in at home like you would your phone. And relax.

·      Rebates and Tax Credits: In some countries, you get rebates and tax credits when you buy an electric vehicle. Hopefully, something similar starts happening here in Nigeria.

CONS

Of course, electric cars, like everything else, have their own challenges, especially in Nigeria.

·      They are expensive: A small electric car can cost as much as a big Mercedes-Benz. In countries like China and India, where they are mass-produced or locally manufactured, they are relatively affordable. But in Nigeria, where most things are imported, the prices are sky-high.

·      Our Roads are not Ideal: Unless you live in Abuja or maybe parts of Lagos or Port Harcourt, most roads are not suitable for these delicate cars. Potholes, waterlogged streets, bad drainage, and so on are all real threats to EV’s lifespan.

·      Security Issues: Let’s not pretend this isn’t a factor. Driving a flashy electric car might signal wealth and, in some areas, attract the wrong kind of attention. Insecurity is a real issue, and owning an EV might put you at risk if you are not careful.

So, yes, electric cars are the future, and they do offer long-term savings and environmental benefits. But for Nigeria, the switch isn’t just about embracing technology; it’s about navigating cost, infrastructure, and safety realities as well.

Still, people are thinking differently now. And maybe-just maybe-electric cars are finally stepping out of fantasy and into real life.

By: Hadiza Bagudu

Author/Poet

www.hadizabagudu.com

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