Does Innoson Make Electric Vehicles or CNG Vehicles?

• Innoson Motors is the leading Nigerian car manufacturer.
• The brand manufactures both gas-powered vehicles and recently launched its CNG lineup.
• Innoson Motors has also made their intentions of launching EVs in Nigeria shortly.

That’s the question in the minds of many Nigerians concerning Innoson Motors and Nigerian Automobile’s plans to go green with its vehicles. The short answer is that currently, Innoson Motors has functioning CNG cars, and the company has spoken about manufacturing electric vehicles but has yet to launch anyone.

History was made by Innson Motors in April 2023 when the car manufacturer launched what marked its first set of CNG-powered vehicles. Not only CNG vehicles, Innoson also launched LNG vehicles at the same time. According to Innoson Motors Head of Corporate Communications, the Unique feature of the Innoson LNG/CNG Gas vehicles is its ability to make use of CNG which is more affordable than diesel and petrol.

Stating at the launch of the IVM CNG and LNG-powered vehicles, the Head of Corporate Communications, Cornel Osigwe said: 

“it’s high time CNG / LNG powered vehicles ply Nigerian roads and IVM remains committed to producing durable, environment-friendly vehicles. This reduces the cost of transportation and encourages sustainability in our environment as well as development”.

The CNG and LNG buses are part of Innoson Vehicles’ commitment to promoting environmentally friendly transportation in Nigeria. They are designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality while providing a comfortable and safe ride for passengers.

The commissioning of the Innoson Vehicles CNG and LNG buses represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to promote local content and innovation in the automotive industry. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria remains committed to supporting the growth and development of the sector and looks forward to working with Innoson Vehicles and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

By June of 2023, Innoson Motors had already mass-produced lots of CNG-powered vehicles. The Showcase of the CNG vehicles took place at the IVM factory, Nnewi on Tuesday, 6th June. The vehicles range from trucks, mini-buses, ambulances, long buses, SUVs, and several others. 

“We manufacture according to demand. why we manufactured these buses because there is a demand for them now, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, we produced more ambulances, so we are on the ground and ready to produce. The CNG vehicles are a solution, that’s why we produce them. We made space for CNG, LNG, and Fuel so that anyone available in an area can be used to drive the vehicles. Electric cars, biogas, and solar-powered vehicles are also produced in this factory,” Innoson, the CEO of the company spoke about the CNG vehicles.

Also, the IVM Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Cornel Osigwe pointed out the advantages of Natural Gas Vehicles and the need to patronize local manufacturers. According to him, “Gas has a higher combustion rate than fuel. So generally, gas is more environmentally friendly. Nigerians are used to petrol cars but the abundance of natural gas has provided sustainable alternatives to all”.

However, by November 2023, Innson Motors noted in an interview that the brand is gearing towards producing its first set of electric vehicles. This was disclosed by the Head of Corporate Communications of the brand in an interview with Arise TV.

Speaking on the launch of Innoson Electric Vehicles, the Head of Communications said:

“In terms of electric vehicles, we have a strategic approach. The chairman has concluded plans to set up an EV manufacturing plant in Nigeria because every major component of producing the electric car is in Nigeria. All the raw materials are in Nigeria. It doesn’t make sense to import battery and major components of electric car battery which is the most expensive product for EVs. We have started producing CNG vehicles. So, the Chairman has thought it wise to set up an EV manufacturing company in Nigeria so that we can be able to start producing the EV.”

Does Innoson Have Electric Vehicles Yet?

No. The brand does not have EVs as part of their lineup, at least not yet. However, Innoson Motors has publicly made their moves known that they are set out to manufacture their own Nigerian-made electric vehicles. Nigerians should expect this in the nearest future.