Cars Go Electric

The world is embracing electric cars, but how ready is Nigeria? In this report, ANGEL JAMES, finds answers, even as some classic cars are going electric.

Electric cars are taking the world by storm, and it seems Nigeria may not be ready for it yet. From modern to classic, cars are assuming a new form of engineering with electricity. It is now becoming common in Europe and some parts of the United States, to see charging stations at shopping malls for cars. Owners can conveniently charge their vehicles while shopping. Automobile manufacturers are already responding to this trend. For example, Jaguar has upgraded its classic E-Type Zero as a complete car package based on a fully restored 1960s original costing around N376,710,990 (£850,000) or as an upgrade to an owner's existing car. Meanwhile, Aston Martin has created an electric power train for the rare and valuable DB6 Mk2 Volante. Just 38 of which were built, Prince of Wales owns one of them. As with the E-Type Zero, the Aston Martin conversion is entirely, relatively and easily reversible to preserve the originality of the car. The electric DB6 has been developed in association with Aston Martin's broader EV (electric vehicle) strategy, which has already seen the creation of the Rapide E model and the revival of sister marque Lagonda, which will come to market as an all-electric SUV shortly. Andy Palmer, Lagonda president and group CEO, tells FT's How To Spend It that the move to engineer the electric DB6 and “protect the maker's treasured heritage”was brought about by the impending threat to restrict the use of classics due to environmental and social pressures. Paul Spires, president of Aston Martin Works heritage department, which built the car, describes the experience of driving the DB6 EV as “unique” and something that will appeal to many enthusiasts, especially those who want to use their cars in urban environments. “Given the historical signicance of these cars, it's vital that any EV conversion is sympathetic to the integrity of the original model. The cassette system is the perfect solution, reassuring owners of knowing their car is future-proofed and socially responsible. Yet remains an authentic Aston Martin that can have its original powertrain retted if desired. Collectors are also adding another dimension to their collections by commissioning EV-converted heritage cars. ” Although regular Aston Martins are known for their high performance, battery-powered versions will be even quicker due to the “instant” nature of electric motors, which provides maximum torque (or “pulling power”) from a standstill. Unlike a combustion engine, which needs to reach a certain number of revolutions per minute to achieve motion. Aston Martin and Jaguar are not alone in their exploration of classic conversions. An increasing

number of independent engineering workshops are springing up around the world that will build such cars to order. Oz Motors of Tokyo, for example, specializes in installing electric power in classic Volkswagen Beetles at the cost of around £20,000. At the same time, Zelectric of San Diego converts not only Beetles but other VW models, such as the Trekker, Karmann Ghia, Variant and Microbus, as well as classic Porsches, such as the 356, 911, 912 and 914. It's in the UK, however, that the electric-classic movement is forging ahead, as people look to own cars that combine old-school looks with modern performance while currently being exempt from the charges increasingly applied to combustion-engine vehicles. There is global attention shifting towards vehicles with zero and low carbon emissions, as part of measures to facilitate the transition to a global clean energy economy. In Nigeria, owning an electric car is more of a luxury, not yet a necessity. Cletus Aregbesola, a car expert, give reasons why Nigeria is not ready for this global shift. He argues Nigeria is not yet ready for an electric car. “Electric cars are good; they have so many benets in terms of fuel consumption, speed, and engine capacity. But we are not ready. ” He says many things go into marketing electric cars. First, a stable electricity supply is required for electric vehicles to function efficiently. “We need a very constant power supply, and that is the basic need for that kind of car. Electricity is taking over cars with fuel consumption.” Besides, he says there is a need for charging port as electric cars require charging at the interval. “We don't have any plan for this yet in the country. We don't have that now. In terms of expertise, we are not yet at that level to welcome electric cars in Nigeria. It requires good road system. Electric cars are very light not as rugged as diesel or fuel-powered cars. The government needs to make policies toward electric cars. ” Experts say Nigeria may never be ready for the global shift until the government starts to make deliberate efforts towards providing constant power supply. “We do not need to manufacture those cars; it is just to bring them in. But if we have a constant power supply, all other necessities will not be a problem. Whenever Nigeria is ready to have a constant power supply, we can start talking about electric vehicles. If the technical expertise, power supply, is available then they are better viable alternative means to what we have now, there is no much challenge in terms of the built.” The car experts believe that electric cars are better; that is why the developed countries are going for it. However, the only snag they argue is the high temperature in Nigeria. “We have a very high temperature that will have an

impact on battery life; it is not solar, nor hybrid. Extreme heat might reduce the battery life span. Electric cars are far better; they run faster, the maintenance is minimal, servicing is out of it. With electric cars, the warranty will extend as long as ten years whereas fueled cars might extend just three years. Electric cars are a better option, and with the components, features and information it can provide it is a better option,”adds Aregbesola. The fact that electric cars are cheaper to maintain has necessitated its acceptability in most parts of Europe even though it is expensive to purchase. “It might seem expensive because it is new, but when you are looking at the cost of a car, you don't just look at the price but the maintenance. Electric cars are far cheaper, more beautiful and its performance is sweeter, it almost soundless and a better option.”