VoltTrac Africa Ltd., alongside its Chinese partners, has introduced an electric mobility project in Kano State targeted at commercial tricycle operators, with the aim of cutting fuel expenses and encouraging environmentally friendly transportation.
The initiative, launched in Kano on Saturday, features petrol-powered tricycle conversion services, battery exchange stations, sales of new and refurbished electric tricycles, as well as solar-powered charging facilities.
Speaking during the unveiling, VoltTrac Africa’s Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Bashir Suwaid, said the company’s goal was to provide affordable, dependable and accessible electric transport solutions for tricycle riders across the state.
Suwaid explained that the company wants to make electric vehicle ownership easier for commercial operators by offering flexible payment options and affordable conversion packages.
He noted that existing petrol tricycles can be transformed into electric models, allowing riders to continue using their current vehicles while benefiting from lower operating costs and reduced environmental impact.
The company executive added that brand-new electric tricycles would also be available for individuals, businesses, fleet operators and organisations interested in adopting electric transportation.
He said the battery swapping system would enable riders to quickly replace discharged batteries with fully charged ones within minutes, eliminating long waiting periods associated with charging.
According to him, the solar-powered photovoltaic carports would provide renewable energy for the charging network while helping to reduce operational expenses.
Suwaid stated that the combination of conversion services, battery swapping, electric tricycle sales and solar charging infrastructure would create a complete electric mobility system in Kano.
He further disclosed that VoltTrac had introduced financing options to support more Nigerians interested in converting their tricycles or purchasing electric models.
The initiative, he said, would support the Kano State Government’s climate efforts, create employment opportunities and improve the livelihoods of young people.
He urged government agencies, investors, financial institutions and transport operators to collaborate with the company to make Kano a major centre for electric mobility in Northern Nigeria.
Representing the Chinese partners, Madam Juliana said her decision to invest in the project was influenced by her long relationship with Kano, which started about 10 years ago through her textile business.
She explained that the success of her business and her connection with residents encouraged her to establish the electric mobility facility as a contribution to the community.
According to her, the project would help tricycle operators reduce fuel and maintenance expenses, increase their income and improve their families’ living conditions.
The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Haruna Dederi, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a development that aligns with the administration’s vision.
Dederi said the introduction of electric mobility technology would modernise the state’s transportation system, enhance urban movement and contribute to economic growth.
He added that the government remained committed to building an efficient transport network and believed the project would improve operators’ earnings, strengthen security and transform mobility in Kano.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state’s readiness to work with VoltTrac Africa and other private investors to promote innovation and advance the transportation sector.