The Stallion Group, via its owned Stallion VON assembly plant in Ojo Lagos, has stated that the unveiling of Nigeria first assembled electric car-Hyundai Kona Electric by it, will eventually promote government’s efforts in making the environment greener.
This remark was made by the Managing Director of Stallion VON, Mr. Manish Rohtagi during the unveiling of Nigeria first locally assembled Electric car-Hyundai Kona last week by Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and senior officials of the Lagos State Government at Stallion Group’s assembly plant in Lagos.
The MD appreciated the government for always being forward-thinking for the greater good of Lagos and encouraging sustainable means of operations making the state future-ready.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while being appreciative of Stallion Group’s significant contribution to the growth of the Nigeria economy, stated that Lagos state government will support the electric cars acceptability in the state.
He added that the government will activate its Oil and Gas company Ibile Oil and Gas company, to build electric car charging points in different parts of the city. After a test drive by the governor, he expressed satisfaction with the attributes of the car.
Brand head of Hyundai Motors Nigeria, Mr. Gaurav Vasisht further added that Hyundai Kona is a stepping stone towards a greener Lagos.
“The question often asked is are we ready for Electric Vehicle in Nigeria? I am asking “Who says we are not ready?”
“Making it affordable and accessible will see most Nigerians adopt in the new normal in today’s time. It will be great to simply charge my car at home like a mobile phone and drive around at no fuel cost. Kona offers just that ease to the consumers.”
The first electric SUV from Hyundai, the Kona can go up to a range of 482 km with an acceleration of (0-100kms) in 9.7 seconds on a single battery cycle of a capacity of 64 kWh.
The ease of charging is unmatched and can be plugged in at home or work for 9.35 hours for a full battery. It is 100% electric with zero carbon emission.
Climate Change
Global interest in climate change and its effects on the environment and society more broadly is at an all-time high.
Specifically, with the unpredicted pandemic of COVID-19, more countries are increasingly acknowledging the shift that’s needed from a fossil fuel-driven economy to one that is sustainable, green and attempts to mitigate climate change.
Hyundai Motors Nigeria recognised this paradigm shift in the transportation sector by bringing in electric mobility that is a step towards the same goal.
Running Costs
Another factor that will grease Kona’s wheel of success in the country is the car’s running cost, which is quite minimal. That will be more so in Nigeria, where electricity consumers resident in accommodation categorised under R1 is charged only N45 per kilowatt.
That implies Hyundai Kona owners would incur only N3,300 for a full charge that will do a running of 482 km if he or she plugs the car into the public power supply.
The charging is also as simple as getting your mobile plugged in at your home or office electrical socket.
Besides the Hyundai Kona’s electric power-packed performance for providing a thrilling driving experience it also manages to excel with its charging kit capacity of 2.3KW, with a voltage of 230V and frequency of 50Hz. The styling of the vehicle is conventional, the interior is luxurious, and the ride is nearly silent.
Kona electric has been extensively applauded for its class driving range, safety convenience features and fast-charging capability.
Its success can be measured by the following- In April 2020, it was named the Best Small Family Car by the inaugural TopGear Electric Awards based on its 24-hour (1,600-km) performance.
This year, U.S. News & World Report named it the Best Electric Vehicle. WardsAuto included KONA Electric on its 10 best engines list.
In 2018, Auto Express named it the Affordable Electric Car of the Year. The EV also played a role in the KONA nameplate winning Spanish newspaper ABC’s Best Car of the Year award. It also won the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year.
While EVs may have had a controversial past, there is still consensus amongst auto industry leaders and analysts that a tipping point is approaching where mass adoption will become inevitable.
These factors have come together to force the traditional industry to take electrification seriously — faster than we had previously expected.
