Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL), the renewable energy subsidiary of Oando, Nigeria’s energy solutions provider; in partnership with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), on May 23rd, 2023, marked the formal commencement of operations of its electric mass transit buses in a grand ceremony at Lagos Bus Services Limited (LBSL) Head Office, Lagos.
In the last decade, the population of vehicles on Lagos roads have quadrupled; with over 3,000 mass transit buses operating in the state. As the population continues to grow, with estimates of it increasing to as much as 100 million residents by 2100 so will the number of vehicles. Today Lagos contributes 44,000kg of carbon dioxide equivalent per day. These, amongst others, make it a suitable development ground for sustainable technologies that can be replicated across Africa.
According to the Lagos State Government, each of these electric buses has the ability to travel 280km at full charge, which far exceeds an average daily usage of 200-kilometers from existing diesel-powered BRTs.
With the ability to travel 280km at full charge, taking into account our unique travel times in Lagos, the electric buses are a game-changer, with an average daily usage of 200km by existing BRTs, there is no need to fear that the buses can stop on the road.
This initiative is a major aspect and vision for transportation in Lagos State, with desires of having a clean and efficient transportation system.
Oando said that the the roll-out of the electric buses starts with a three-month proof-of-concept phase, aimed at establishing the viability of electric vehicles for mass transportation in Lagos State, and to derive key learnings for an expanded program across the country.
This, it said, will be followed by a pilot phase with an expanded fleet and bus routes, and the eventual countrywide deployment creating employment for over 30,000 Nigerians.
To support the seamless running of the buses, OCEL has invested and deployed charging stations in bus depots to ensure the buses are always fully charged. Furthermore, extensive training has been provided to the drivers on the proper use and maintenance of the buses.