The rise of electric vehicles has been a topic of discussion for several years now. With the increasing concerns about climate change, air pollution and the depletion of natural resources, electric cars have emerged as a viable solution to tackle these issues.
Over the years, the electric car market has grown significantly, and the benefits of electric cars have become more apparent than ever before.
The electric car market
The electric car market has grown exponentially in recent years. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), compared to just 130,000 electric cars sold in 2012, the global electric car stock reached 2.2 million vehicles in 2019 and reached 10 million in 2020, a 43% increase compared to the previous year and projected growth of 36% annually, reaching 245 million vehicles in 2030. China, Europe and the United States are the three largest markets for electric cars, with China being the largest producer and consumer of electric vehicles.
More than 1 million electric cars were sold in China in 2019, a 2% decrease from the previous year. Europe was the second largest market, with 561,000 cars sold in 2019. The United States followed with 327,000 cars sold.
In 2021, electric car sales more than doubled to 6.6 million, representing close to 9% of the global car market and more than tripling their market share from two years earlier.
The benefits of electric vehicles
Electric vehicles have several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Firstly, electric cars have lower fuel costs as they use electricity instead of gasoline. This means that they are cheaper to operate, and as electricity prices continue to decrease, the cost of operating an electric car will decrease as well.
Secondly, electric cars have lower maintenance costs as they have fewer moving parts than gasoline-powered cars. This means that fewer parts can break down and need to be replaced. Electric cars can be more enjoyable to drive, with instant torque and smooth acceleration, and can offer a quieter and more comfortable ride than traditional cars.
Finally, electric cars are better for the environment as they produce zero emissions. This makes them a great option for consumers who are looking for a sustainable mode of transportation.
Successful electric car startups
Several startups have emerged in the electric car market, and some have been incredibly successful. Tesla is perhaps the most well-known electric car company, with a market capitalization of over $500 billion. The company has been a leader in the industry since its founding in 2003, with a focus on high-performance electric vehicles, coupled with its innovative battery technology, that has helped it dominate the luxury electric car market. Tesla’s Model S was the first electric car to achieve a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge, and the company’s Supercharger network has made long-distance electric travel a reality.
Rivian is an American electric car startup that has raised over $12 billion in funding. The company has developed an electric pickup truck and an electric SUV. The vehicles are designed for off-road adventures, with impressive range and towing capacity.
Rivian has secured investments from major companies such as Amazon and Ford, which have contributed to the company scaling up its production and expanding its product line.
Lucid Motors is another American electric car startup that has gained attention in recent years. The company has developed the Lucid Air, an electric car with a range of over 500 miles.
NIO is a Chinese electric car startup that has gained a significant market share in China. The company has developed several electric cars, including the ES8, which is a seven-seater SUV. The ES8 has been a massive success in China, with the company selling over 20,000 units in the first year of production and has also expanded into the European market.
BYD Auto, a Chinese company that has become a leader in the electric car market thanks to its innovative battery technology. The company’s Qin hybrid and e6 electric cars are both popular with consumers, and the company has been expanding rapidly in recent years.
Startups focused on Electric Vehicles in Nigeria
Although the electric car market is still in its early stages in Nigeria, there are a few electric car startups that have emerged in the country in recent years. Here are some of the notable electric car startups in Nigeria:
MAX: Launched in 2015 as a logistics company, MAX pivoted to motorcycle ride-hailing in 2017. A government ban on commercial motorcycles forced a pivot to EV infrastructure in 2021. MAX raised $31 million to expand its market reach, provide vehicle-financing loans, and build EV infrastructure in its new markets. The company believes EV adoption in Africa will happen faster than in most parts of the world, but industry advocates are skeptical.
Jet Motor Company: Jet Motor Company is a Nigerian electric car startup that is focused on developing affordable electric cars for the Nigerian market. The company’s first product is the Jet Mover, an electric car that can travel up to 300 km on a single charge and has a top speed of 120 km/h.
Africar Group: Africar Group is a Nigerian electric car startup that is focused on providing electric mobility solutions for both individuals and businesses in Nigeria. The company offers a range of electric cars, including sedans, SUVs, and buses, and provides charging infrastructure and maintenance services for its customers.
NEVA: NEVA (Nigerian Electric Vehicle Assembling Company) is a Nigerian electric car startup that is focused on assembling electric cars in Nigeria using imported kits. The company’s first product is the EV e1, an electric car that can travel up to 150 km on a single charge and has a top speed of 100 km/h.
Conclusion
Electric cars have emerged as a viable solution to tackle the issues of climate change, air pollution, and the depletion of natural resources. With their numerous benefits, including zero emissions, lower operating costs, and a quieter driving experience, it’s easy to see why more and more drivers are making the switch.
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