The Dawn of Nigeria’s Electric Vehicle Era
In September 2025, the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, unveiled its groundbreaking innovation: the OKIN EV1 electric vehicle. This fully battery-powered and solar-assisted car was designed and built in less than six months, a testament to Nigerian ingenuity. The EV has a range of 125 kilometers on a single charge, making it practical for inter-city travel such as from Offa to Ilorin. With features such as a digital touchscreen, reverse camera, and solar energy extension, the OKIN EV1 is not just a prototype but a working electric vehicle that highlights the potential of local innovation to transform transportation in Nigeria.
Inside the Making of the OKIN EV1 Electric Vehicle
The electric vehicle project was spearheaded by the Directorate of Assembly, Fabrication and Commercialisation of Research Products at Federal Polytechnic, Offa. Under the leadership of Dr. Olufemi O. Kehinde, and supported by the Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, FNSE, as well as the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Iroye, the team overcame multiple challenges. They worked with limited resources, sourcing both local and imported components to ensure functionality. The Polytechnic’s focus on hands-on research and development ensured that the electric vehicle became a reality, reflecting the determination and vision of its team.
Cost of Building Nigeria’s First Polytechnic Electric Vehicle
While the Polytechnic has not released official figures, building an electric vehicle prototype of this scale involved substantial costs. Battery systems, electronic control units, and advanced sensors accounted for much of the budget. Local materials were incorporated to reduce costs and showcase Nigeria’s capacity for innovation. By completing the project within six months, the team minimized labor costs while maximizing output. Looking forward, scaling to mass production will lower the per-unit cost, making the OKIN EV1 electric vehicle more affordable for Nigerian consumers.
Mass Production Plans for the OKIN EV1 Electric Vehicle
Federal Polytechnic, Offa has announced its intention to refine and mass-produce the OKIN EV1. This will involve partnerships with automotive manufacturers, government agencies, and private investors. The goal is to make the electric vehicle widely available, providing Nigerians with an affordable, eco-friendly transport option. If realized, this would mark the first time a Nigerian polytechnic has transitioned from prototype development to full-scale vehicle manufacturing.
Electric Vehicle Innovation Across Nigerian Academia
The OKIN EV1 is part of a broader movement across Nigeria’s academic institutions. In 2025, the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) launched an electric bus competition involving twelve universities. The University of Benin (UNIBEN) emerged as the winner of the design phase, while other institutions such as FUTO and University of Abuja also excelled. The next step requires building eight-seater electric buses using at least 60 percent local materials. These initiatives demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to developing a strong base for electric vehicle technology within academia.
The Future of Electric Vehicles in Nigeria
Nigeria’s electric vehicle industry is still young, but the potential is massive. Studies highlight opportunities in battery production, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration. Government incentives and private sector partnerships will be key to scaling production and adoption. By investing in EV development, Nigeria can reduce fuel dependency, cut carbon emissions, and align with global trends in sustainable mobility.
Global Electric Vehicle Trends and Nigeria’s Role
Around the world, electric vehicles are rapidly becoming mainstream, with countries like China, the U.S., and those in the EU leading adoption. Nigeria’s OKIN EV1 places the country on this global map, proving that Africa can also lead in sustainable technology. By leveraging abundant solar energy, Nigeria has the potential to build affordable solar-assisted EVs that could serve both domestic and regional markets.
Economic Impact: Profits and Job Creation Through Electric Vehicles
The commercialization of the OKIN EV1 could create immense economic benefits. Direct sales of the vehicle, partnerships with automotive firms, and potential export opportunities are profit avenues. More importantly, the project can create thousands of jobs: from engineers and assembly workers to technicians, supply chain managers, and R&D professionals. The ripple effect extends further into related industries such as charging stations, battery recycling, and renewable energy grid management.
Conclusion: Driving Forward with Electric Vehicles
The OKIN EV1 electric vehicle represents more than technological innovation—it is a symbol of Nigeria’s future. It shows that with vision, determination, and institutional support, Nigeria can stand at the forefront of green mobility. Federal Polytechnic, Offa has not only built a car but also built hope, inspiring the next generation of engineers and entrepreneurs. If nurtured, this innovation could transform Nigeria into a hub for electric vehicles in Africa, creating jobs, boosting the economy, and protecting the environment.
