The Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara State, has launched an indigenous electric vehicle, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s pursuit of sustainable mobility.
The vehicle, named OKIN EV1, which is fully powered by electricity and complemented with a solar-energy feature, demonstrates the potential of Nigerian research and engineering to address global challenges.
Speaking on the landmark development, the institution’s Director of the Directorate of Assembly, Fabrication, and Commercialization of Research Products, Dr. Olufemi O. Kehinde, said the institution plans to refine the prototype and explore mass production to provide affordable, eco-friendly vehicles to Nigerians.
In a statement by the institution’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Olayinka Iroye, Kehinde, said, “This is proof that Nigeria has the capacity to lead in innovative solutions to global challenges.
“The OKIN EV1 is not just another automobile; it is a symbol of what Nigerian institutions can achieve when knowledge meets creativity,” the school added.
“The Polytechnic has already announced plans to refine the prototype and explore avenues for mass production, which could place affordable, eco-friendly vehicles in the hands of everyday Nigerians.
“Powered fully by electricity and complemented with a solar-energy feature, the vehicle is capable of covering an impressive 125 kilometres on a single charge, the equivalent of a round trip from Offa to Ilorin.
The institute’s Director highlighted the features of the vehicle, said the EV is equipped with modern features that meet today’s demands – touchscreen display for real-time monitoring and control, reverse camera for enhanced safety and convenience, and a solar-powered extension system to prolong driving hours.
These features place OKIN EV1 in the league of practical, eco-friendly vehicles designed to address both urban and rural mobility needs.
“The journey of the OKIN EV1 began in 2024 and was completed in less than six months. Despite challenges in sourcing materials locally, the development team’s determination paid off, producing what many have called a game changer for Nigeria’s transport industry.
“This ground-breaking feat would not have been possible without the vision and support of the Polytechnic’s Rector, Engr. Dr. Kamoru Oluwatoyin Kadiri, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE). His unwavering encouragement, passion for research, and commitment to providing an enabling environment for innovation have inspired the institution’s scholars and inventors to reach this remarkable milestone,” she stated.