Bennett Oghifo 

Nord Automobiles Limited has launched Tavet Motion, a new subsidiary focused on electric vehicles (EVs), and unveiled three new models—Luto, Garent, and Vant—at a high-profile event in Lagos, recently. 

The unveiling at the prestigious Oriental Hotel drew top military officers, senior government officials and industrial leaders, signalling what experts described as a major leap in Nigeria’s auto industry and a strong statement for sustainable transportation. 

Nord’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatobi Ajayi, described Tavet as “the future of mobility,” saying the company was determined to make Africa an active participant—not a spectator—in the global EV revolution.

“Welcome to the future of mobility,” Ajayi declared. “Tavet is about innovation, sustainability, and progress. Nord gave birth to Tavet—and together, we’ll ensure Africa isn’t left behind in the electric revolution.”

The three models—Luto, a compact urban sedan; Garent, a luxury EV; and Vant, a logistics van—are all assembled in Nigeria and designed for African roads.

Ajayi said Tavet’s vision went beyond vehicle sales. “We’re not just selling cars,” he said. “We’re building an entire EV ecosystem—from charging stations to battery health programmes and renewable energy integration.”

Industry watchers say the launch could redefine Nigeria’s auto sector, long hampered by fuel price instability and dependence on imports. 

By assembling locally and exploring Nigeria’s emerging lithium reserves, Tavet is expected to create thousands of jobs in manufacturing, research, and renewable energy support services.

Ajayi also hinted at partnerships with renewable energy firms to deploy solar-powered fast chargers nationwide, aligning with Nigeria’s clean energy transition goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“Tavet is proof that technology, when localized, can transform lives,” Ajayi said. “Nord is proudly Nigerian—and Tavet will redefine what it means to build world-class vehicles in Africa.”

Analysts project Tavet could capture up to 15 per cent of Nigeria’s emerging EV market within two years, positioning the country as West Africa’s leading hub for electric mobility.

For a nation battling high fuel costs and mounting environmental concerns, yhe Nord boss said the latest innovation could well be the spark to power Nigeria’s next industrial revolution.

Luto, he said, is viewed as Nigeria’s first compact electric city vehicle designed for young professionals, students and those tired of high fuel price and traffic stress.

The four-door fully EV seats four people comfortably.  It is smart, stylish and agile, making everyday mobility simple as it can be parked everywhere and charged anywhere such as home, office and public station. 

Its range is up to 200km per charge with power peak of 20kw and 100km/h top speed.

It has electric steering, power window, reverse camera abs hill-start assist, among others. 

The Garent is Tavet’s flagship electric sedan and it competes with global EVs in technology and performance. 

It has a couple-inspired lift-back design with optional scissor window.

Its other features are adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and automatic emergency braking 

He said Vant is Nigeria’s first practical electric logistics van for delivery businesses, ecomerce platforms and fleet operators as fast charging keep the fleet working without waiting. 

The Vant model, with a range of 305km per charge, is positioned as a game-changer for logistics operators seeking a cheaper, cleaner alternative to diesel-powered vans.

Its battery range is 41.88kwh and 20-80% chargingin 45 minutes, payload up to 1,440kg and massive 2.8m cargo volume.

It has ABS, hill-start assist,  reverse camera,  LCD control screen, GPS navigation, AC plus heater.

With entry-level prices starting around ₦16m and premium variants for ₦32m, Tavet aims to make electric mobility accessible to both individuals and businesses.