Electric Vehicle Adoption in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review of Technological, Economic, and Policy Trends
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51459/jostir.2026.2.1.0236Keywords:
Electric Vehicles (EVs), Techno-economic assessment, Policy framework, Sustainable mobility, Infrastructure readinessAbstract
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is increasingly recognized as a critical pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban air quality, and enhancing energy security. While global EV deployment has accelerated rapidly, adoption in Nigeria remains nascent and underexplored in the scholarly literature. This study presents a comprehensive review of electric vehicle adoption in Nigeria, synthesizing technological trends, economic feasibility, and policy and regulatory developments within the country, while situating Nigeria’s experience in a broader international context. The review examines the suitability of different EV powertrain technologies under Nigerian operating conditions, including climate, road quality, trip characteristics, and grid constraints, highlighting the comparative advantages of electrification in urban and fleet-based applications. Recent advances in lithium-ion battery technology and declining global battery costs are assessed alongside challenges related to thermal degradation, charging infrastructure availability, and grid readiness. From an economic perspective, the study evaluates upfront vehicle costs relative to long-term operational savings, incorporating fuel price volatility, maintenance requirements, currency fluctuations, and import dependency. The review further analyzed Nigeria’s emerging policy landscape, identifying gaps in inter-ministerial coordination, technical standards, fiscal incentives, and long-term strategic planning, while drawing comparative lessons from countries such as South Africa, India, China, and Kenya. The study concludes that scaling EV adoption in Nigeria will require an integrated, research-informed approach that aligns technology development, economic instruments, infrastructure investment, and institutional reform. These insights provide actionable guidance for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders seeking to advance sustainable mobility in Nigeria.
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