Firm begins electric tricycle conversion, battery swap services in Kano

VoltTrac Africa Ltd., in collaboration with its Chinese partners, has launched an electric mobility ecosystem for commercial tricycle operators in Kano State, introducing services aimed at reducing fuel costs and promoting cleaner transportation.

The initiative, unveiled in Kano on Saturday, includes gasoline-to-electric tricycle conversion, battery swapping stations, the sale of new and fairly used electric tricycles, and solar-powered photovoltaic, PV, carport charging infrastructure.

Speaking at the launch, the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of VoltTrac Africa, Bashir Suwaid, said the initiative was designed to make electric transportation practical, reliable and affordable for tricycle operators across the state.

According to him, the company’s vision is to make electric vehicle conversion and ownership accessible to hardworking tricycle riders through affordable and flexible payment plans.

Mr Suwaid explained that the company would convert existing petrol-powered tricycles into electric vehicles, enabling operators to retain their current tricycles while enjoying the economic and environmental benefits of electric mobility.

“We now have brand-new electric tricycles available for sale to individuals, fleet operators, businesses and institutions that want to begin their journey with fully electric vehicles.

“Our battery swapping stations allow riders to replace a discharged battery with a fully charged one in just a few minutes instead of waiting hours for recharging.

“We also have solar-powered PV car sheds that provide clean, renewable energy to support our charging infrastructure and reduce operating costs.

“Together, these four solutions create a complete ecosystem that makes electric transportation practical, reliable and affordable,” he said.

Mr Suwaid added that the company had introduced flexible financing options for both tricycle conversion and the purchase of new electric tricycles to enable more Nigerians to adopt the technology.

He said the initiative would complement the Kano State Government’s efforts to tackle climate change while creating employment opportunities for young people.

He also called on the state government, investors, financial institutions, businesses and transport operators to partner with the company to position Kano as the leading hub for electric mobility in Northern Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the company’s Chinese partners, Madam Juliana said the project was inspired by her long-standing relationship with Kano, which began nearly a decade ago through her textile business.

She said the success of her business in the state and her affection for its people motivated the decision to establish the electric mobility station as a way of giving back to the community.

According to her, the initiative offers a practical solution that will help commercial tricycle operators reduce fuel expenses, lower maintenance costs, increase daily earnings and improve the welfare of their families.

Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Haruna Dederi, described the project as a welcome innovation that aligns with his administration’s development agenda.

Mr Dederi expressed delight that VoltTrac Africa had introduced modern technology into the state’s transportation sector, saying it would improve urban mobility and support economic growth.

He said the ministry remained committed to providing a reliable and efficient transportation system for residents and noted that the initiative would redefine urban mobility in Kano, boost the earnings of tricycle operators and strengthen security.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with VoltTrac Africa and other private sector players to accelerate the development of the transportation sector through innovation and strategic collaboration.