Spiro, a leading African electric vehicle (EV) company, has officially launched its operations in Ogun State, Nigeria. This strategic move aims to revolutionize transportation in Africas largest economy while addressing environmental concerns and economic challenges faced by citizens.
The grand launch ceremony took place at the Arcade Ground of the Ogun State Governors Office in Abeokuta. Notable attendees included Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and Transportation Minister Senator Said Alkali, along with other government officials, traditional rulers, and industry leaders.
Spiros expansion into Nigeria marks a significant milestone in the countrys electric mobility sector. The company has already deployed over 17,000 electric motorbikes across sub-Saharan Africa and plans to establish its presence in up to eight major Nigerian provinces, including Abeokuta, Ibadan, Lagos, and Abuja.
Electric bikes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles. This initiative comes at a critical time, as greenhouse gas emissions from transportation in Africa are growing at an alarming rate of 7% annually. Air pollution, the second-biggest killer on the continent, claims approximately 1.1 million lives prematurely each year.
At the core of Spiros model is its innovative battery-swapping technology. This system allows riders to quickly exchange depleted batteries for fully charged ones at swapping stations, eliminating long wait times associated with traditional charging methods. The pilot phase in Abeokuta includes three battery swap stations located at MKO Abiola Stadium, Pansheke Skating Ground, and Oke Sokori. Each station can charge 24 batteries simultaneously, totaling 72 batteries across all three locations.
