Nord Automobiles Limited has launched Tavet Motion, a new subsidiary dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs), with the unveiling of three groundbreaking models — Luto, Garent, and Vant — at a high-profile event held on Thursday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos State.
City Business News reports that the event drew an audience of top military officers, senior government officials, and industry leaders, marking what experts described as a major leap forward for Nigeria’s automotive industry and a significant step toward sustainable transportation.
Nord’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwatobi Ajayi, described Tavet as “the future of mobility,” emphasizing the company’s determination to ensure Africa plays an active role 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 unveiled — Luto, Garent, and Vant — are fully assembled in Nigeria, designed for African roads and local environmental conditions.
Luto, Nigeria’s first compact electric city vehicle, targets young professionals, students, and urban commuters weary of high fuel costs and traffic congestion. The four-door EV seats four comfortably, with a range of up to 200 km per charge, a 20 kW power peak, and a top speed of 100 km/h. Features include electric steering, power windows, ABS, hill-start assist, and a reverse camera.
Garent, the flagship electric sedan, competes with global EVs in technology and performance. It boasts a coupe-inspired lift-back design, optional scissor windows, and advanced safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Vant, Nigeria’s first practical electric logistics van, is built for delivery businesses, e-commerce platforms, and fleet operators. With a range of 305 km per charge, 41.88 kWh battery, and fast charging (20–80% in 45 minutes), Vant can carry up to 1,440 kg payload within a 2.8 m³ cargo volume.
Ajayi explained that Tavet’s mission extends beyond selling vehicles.
“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 observers say the launch could redefine Nigeria’s auto sector, long constrained by fuel price volatility and dependence on imported vehicles. With local assembly and plans to leverage Nigeria’s 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% of Nigeria’s emerging EV market within two years, positioning the country as West Africa’s leading hub for electric mobility.
With entry-level prices starting at around ₦16 million and premium variants at ₦32 million, Tavet aims to make electric mobility accessible to both individual and corporate buyers.
For a nation battling high fuel costs and mounting environmental challenges, Ajayi said the latest innovation from Nord could well be “the spark to power Nigeria’s next industrial revolution.”
