The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Electric

  • Kano women go electric with Alternative Bank, UK govt

    Kano women go electric with Alternative Bank, UK govt

     In a groundbreaking move that transforms transportation and enhances the security of women, Kano State witnessed the launch of a first-of-its-kind electric tricycle program.

    The Alternative Bank,in collaboration with the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and Qoray Mobility, unveiled the innovative social impact initiative, providing women with fully electric tricycles and comprehensive training.

    This project flips the script on traditional transportation in Kano and marks a new chapter for the expertly trained women ready to navigate the city’s streets.

    With 120 women from the Mata Zalla and Yar Baiwa cooperatives having undergone comprehensive training, they are now proficient tricycle drivers and mechanics.

     These electric tricycles enable women to generate income by providing local transportation services and operating small delivery businesses.

    “This initiative is a double win,” declared Alhaji Garba Mohammed, Executive Director of The Alternative Bank.

    “Our electric tricycles are designed to address significant concerns regarding the safety of female passengers and children while at the same time safeguarding the environment.”

    While elaborating the benefits of the electric tricylcles, Mohammed said: “Unlike traditional petrol- powered tricycles which contribute to pollution and are costly to operate due to rising fuel prices, our electric tricycles reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.

    “This aligns perfectly with The Alternative Bank’s commitment to both community well-being and environmental responsibility.”

    Adamu Maikano, Regional Coordinator of Kaduna and Kano State for the UK’s FCDO, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “The UK government, a longstanding ally of Nigeria, is committed to facilitating investment, trade, and economic development.

    “The launch of this EV project is evidence that partnerships truly work when all parties remain focused on a mutual goal.”

    Emphasising the collaborative effort in facilitating the pilot of this EV project, Maikano said: “The UK’s FCDO-funded LINKS programme, worked with two women’s cooperatives in Kano – Mata Zalla and Yar Baiwa, The Alternative Bank, and the Kano Road Traffic Agency, to train 85 women, including the certification of 30 mechanics, and provision of essential tools. The UK’s FCDO also supported the cooperatives with a two-year lease for the service center, and equipped them with battery recharging infrastructure.”

    Read Also: Death toll hits 18 in Kano mosque explosion

    Explaining further, he said: “The project addresses challenges women face with traditional tricycles, including instances of violence. Having female owners and operators of the e-tricycles offers added comfort and security to women passengers who have no choice but to use tricycles for transportation, and equally offers the potential to lower greenhouse gas emissions significantly.”

    Olabanjo Alimi, the Head of Qoray Mobility, expressed pride in the initiative and optimism about expanding the pilot program and improving its electric vehicles.

    He highlighted a recent launch in Victoria Island, Lagos, where locally built charging stations were introduced. Reflecting on Qoray’s history, Alimi emphasized the company’s vision for the future of urban transportation—one with reduced pollution, lower transportation costs, and a strong commitment to the local community.

    According to him: “Unlike traditional petrol-powered tricycles that contribute to pollution and incur high operating costs due to rising fuel prices, these electric tricycles are designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote a cleaner, healthier environment.”

    Alimi, a Kano native, concluded by thanking The Alternative Bank for its support and highlighting Qoray’s vision: “a future with cleaner air, lower transportation costs, and a thriving local community.”

  • Electric, driverless cars: Which way Nigeria?

    I decided to write on this topic after the series of questions from drivers during my training programmes. The drivers are in panic. They wanted to know what would become of their jobs when their companies opt for self-drive or driverless cars?

    As the National President of the Driving School Associations of Nigeria, several proprietors of driving schools have approached me to know what will happen to their business if people begin to go for driverless cars with nobody caring to learn how to drive again?

    Before answering the two questions, I think the set of professionals that should panic more now are the automobile technicians popularly called motor mechanics. The high rate at which automobile companies are chunking out electric cars and the encouraging reports from users, show that more people will be dumping the engine vehicles for the electric ones. The solar option in electric cars will also make the acceptance high in Nigeria sooner than imagined.

    My response to the drivers’ questions is that there is no course for alarm in Nigeria for now. As at today, the rating of road infrastructure, road network, road transportation system, intermodal transportation system, traffic signs, functional traffic lights, road markings, road kerbs, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian walkways, and other supporting road furniture is still very far from global standards. For the driverless cars to function effectively in Nigeria, all the above must be put in place.

    Few people have already imported driverless cars into Nigeria, but on which road will they operate them safely? Will the cars share the road safely with the danfo drivers, trailers, Okada riders in Nigeria? Nigerian drivers, fear not, your jobs are still secured for some years to come but regularly upgrade yourselves to survive the coming competition in the profession.

    Irrespective of whether driverless cars  will lead to job loss for drivers or not, this is a challenge to the federal, state and local governments who are not yet paying enough attention to the provision of good roads and road furniture. It is not compulsory for governments to be looking for budget money to construct roads.

    Through Public and Private Partnership(PPP) arrangements, quality and lasting roads and state-of-the-art road furniture will be provided strategically nationwide with toll gates at no cost to the government.

    My answer to the panicking driving school operators is that there is no cause for alarm. Even the owners of driverless cars still need to undergo driving and safety training to evaluate the functionality of the driverless cars as well as assist to drive the car when it is entangled and cannot help itself out of some critical situations.

    However, the developments in the auto industries globally are pointers to the fact that professionals in all vocations must regularly upgrade their knowledge and skills to remain and thrive in business. Always think ahead to remain ahead.

  • Toyota sets 2030 electric sales target

    Toyota sets 2030 electric sales target

    Toyota Motor Corporation has said it plans to sell more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles by 2030.

    Toyota’s electrified vehicle strategy centres on a significant acceleration in the development and launch plans of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

    The auto giant has been working toward creating ever-better cars and an ever-better society under the thinking of contributing to a sustainable society and creating mobility that brings smiles to customers.

    Addressing environmental challenges, such as global warming, air pollution, and limited natural resources and energy supply are of utmost importance to Toyota.

    By around 2030, Toyota aims to have sales of more than 5.5 million electrified vehicles, including more than one million zero-emission vehicles (BEVs, FCEVs).

    Additionally, by around 2025, every model in the Toyota and Lexus line-up around the world will be available either as a dedicated electrified model or have an electrified option. This will be achieved by increasing the number of dedicated HEV, PHEV, BEV, and FCEV models and by generalising the availability of HEV, PHEV and/or BEV options to all its models.

    As a result, the number of models developed without an electrified version will be zero.

    Toyota will accelerate the popularisation of BEVs with more than 10 BEV models to be available worldwide by the early 2020s, starting in China, before entering other markets-the gradual introduction to Japan, India, United States and Europe is expected.

    The FCEV line-up will be expanded for both passenger and commercial vehicles in the 2020s.

    The HEV line-up will also grow, thanks to the further development of the Toyota Hybrid System II (featured in the current-generation Prius and other models); the introduction of a more powerful version in some models; and the development of simpler hybrid systems in select models, as appropriate, to meet various customer needs.

    Batteries are a core technology of electrified vehicles and generally present limitations relating to energy density, weight/packaging, and cost.

    Furthermore, Toyota aims to focus on the development of a social infrastructure conducive to the widespread adoption of electrified vehicles.

  • Nissan unveils Leaf GT electric car image

    Nissan unveils Leaf GT electric car image

    Despite introducing a significant design with the 2018 Leaf, Nissan has shown interest in the launch of new sporty versions of its electric car.

    They have now released the first image of a new Leaf GT electric car concept to be unveiled at the 2018 Tokyo Auto Salon next month.

    This grand touring concept of the new Nissan LEAF is coming right after the Japanese automaker unveiled Leaf with a Nismo upgrade.

    Those concepts haven’t amounted to much so far. They unveiled the Leaf Nismo RC concept in 2011 and not much came of it – though Nissan released a special-edition ‘Leaf Aero Style’ just for the Japanese market that was inspired by Nismo.

    But after unveiling the new Leaf in September, Nissan design chief Alfonso Albaisa said last month that they were considering launching performance versions.

    And now we get to see two new concepts: the new Leaf GT and the Leaf Nismo:

    Nissan will also display 15 exciting models equipped with the latest custom and after-market parts at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2018, from January 12 to 14.

  • Save us from tyranny of Ikeja Electric

    SIR: It is with deep frustration that I plead with the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to prevail on Ikeja Electric (IE) to stop the extortion and exploitation of electricity consumers at Ralex Avenue, Off Orelope Street, Alimoso Local Government Area of Lagos State whose officials have vowed not to supply the residents with pre-paid meters.

    It may interest you to know that for the greater part of this year, the affected area has not been enjoying power supply during the day time to carry out their business and other activities. And when the IE officials, who have now cultivated the habit of restoring light at the midnight, eventually  brings the light, it will be just for two, three or maximum of  four hours. And in the wee hours, the light is gone.

    This is our ordeal day in day out. In some months, it would be total blackout. Yet, this won’t stop the IE officials from bringing crazy bills. And woe betides whoever dares not to pay. They would mount their ladders and threaten to disconnect the lines. People would rush to appease these elements, who are now tin gods, not to disconnect or reconnect their disconnected lines. Of course, they would oblige, but with a price! If you refuse, and instead pay little for the little light they bring, you are condemned to pay N2000 as official reconnection fees.

    I fear that this impunity, and the aggravated impunity not to supply pre-paid meters, may one day set the community against these task masters. In January, 2015, one of their officials led others for the pre-paid meters’ enumeration. And since then, nothing was ever heard again. The current stance of IE marketer in the area is that prepaid meters are for those who are OWING electricity bill of N150,000 and above. According to her, “When you clear the bills, they will give you prepaid meters as a bonus, but if you are owing less, just continue with your analogue metering. Prepaid meter is not for you.

    It is for this reason that I am appealing to the Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as indeed the Federal Government to their your good offices to call the IE officials to order and compel them to give us pre-paid meters.

     

    • Omodele Adigun

    Egbeda, Lagos.

  • Kaduna Electric sacks 24 workers for ‘fraud’

    Kaduna Electric has sacked 24 workers for alleged fraud related cases, it was learnt yesterday.

    A statement by Head of Corporate Communication, Abdulazeez Abdullahi, Head of Human Resources, Hajiya Khadija Kabir, said “the workers were laid off following reports of an investigation committee, finding them culpable of fraud, and confirmed by a disciplinary committee.’’

    The statement reads: “The workers were relieved of their duties after they were found guilty of offences ranging from stealing company fund, meter theft, illegal meter installation and signature forgery.

    “The offenders were issued a query to explain themselves and whosoever’s explanation was genuine was allowed to go, while the unconvincing ones were forwarded to the investigative committee.

    “The process is to checkmate fraud and other negative behaviour among workers. The decision and process leading to the sack are in line with the company’s policy and best practices, which gave each accused the right to fair hearing irrespective of tribe, ethnicity or religion.”

    Hajiya Kabir called on workers to desist from fraudulent activities and see themselves as stakeholders expected to maintain high integrity.

     

  • Hyundai’s first electric car on sale

    Hyundai’s first electric car on sale

    Hyundai’s first electric vehicle, the Ioniq, will hit showrooms soon. The car can travel 206 km in the city on a single charge and up to 173 km on highways.

    Hyundai delivered the first Ionic EV to a local customer on July 5 and held a test-drive event last week.

    The Ioniq costs W40-43 million, but the price tag drops to between W20 million to W25 million thanks to government subsidies for green cars (US$1=W1,134).

    A full charge costs W8,700 and takes four hours and 25 minutes, while a rapid charge takes only 23 minutes.

    Hyundai said it will introduce mobile recharging stations across the country in the second half of this year. EV mechanics will be stationed at Hyundai’s 23 directly run after-service centers and 80 affiliated garages.

  • Ikeja Electric launches power lines monitoring for safety

    Ikeja Electric launches power lines monitoring for safety

    To boost safety measures for lives and properties, Ikeja Electric has launched a novel network safety monitoring initiative.

    This initiative allows for round-the-clock electrical asset surveillance across its network by special teams, specifically set up for this purpose. The teams made up of safety specialists and technicians, divided into monitoring units, patrol the entire network armed with multimedia gadgets which enables them to capture damaged assets and imminently dangerous connections in real time.

    The data captured is relayed to a central control unit from where it is passed on to the nearest Undertaking where the Network Operations log the information and ensures resolution within the shortest possible time.

    Speaking on the initiative, the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Felix Ofulue, stated that safety in a high risk sector, such as the electricity industry cannot be over-emphasized because if the safety standards are compromised, the resultant effect could be disastrous leading to damage to property and even loss of human lives.

    Ofulue said: “Ikeja Electric will not compromise on safety. It is a high risk environment and coupled with the rains and high winds of this season, we have to continue the campaign of safety across our network. We are also aware that by putting forward these initiatives we are raising the bar of safety across the entire company with other industry players also raising their own standards of safety. In the end if we are able to keep people safe, we will be justified.”

    He noted that in consonance with the company’s health and safety mandate, it has issued series of weather alerts, calling public attention to common dangers associated with the inclement weather and these public alerts are put out in order that consumers may be more aware of their surroundings and adopt better and higher safety precautions in order to remain safe.

    “The monitoring team is a roving one, constantly on the move, scouting for unsafe and damaged assets: he said, while pointing out that managing the assets of the company was integral to the company’s ability to deliver safe supply of energy to homes and businesses.

    “The management solicits the support of the public in ensuring that the initiative is a success by urging residents who notice any dangerous asset, such as leaning poles, snapped or low hanging cables to take pictures and send to HSE@ikejaelectric.com, carefully noting the location of the asset with possible landmarks if necessary. Others can simply call our customer care lines, 01-448-3900, 0700-022-5543, 01-7000-250.”

    Ofulue also cautioned against conducting commercial activities under power lines, warning of the imminent danger associated with sustained activities underneath cables that may be under stress from strong winds and rains.

    Ikeja Electric was awarded the prize for Company with the Best Health and Safety Initiatives, 2015/16 at the Nigerian Risk Award -Economic and Social Risk Summit. This award follows an earlier recognition at the 2015 Nigeria Safety Award for Excellence, Hall of Fame (9jaSAFE AWARDS), where the company also bagged the Award for Company with the best HSE Practices in the Power sector, he added.

  • Schneider Electric rewards partners

    Schneider Electric, an  energy services provider has rewarded its business partners in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

    The event was designed to reward partners with outstanding sales performance and to build business relationships with new and existing partners.

    It is hinged on five critical factors – channel profiling, alignment with business opportunities, empowerment, enablement and profit.

    Kerryman Computers based in Port Harcourt was recognised for its outstanding sales performance in 2015.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emmanuel Obiukwu, said he was very happy with the award.

    “The quality of the APC products is a distinguishing factor. I have never regretted being an APC channel partner. You are trained in every aspect and this is real value for your business,” he said.

    Schneider Electric’s Vice President, Retail, Mr. Oluwaseun Oloyede, highlighted the benefits of being an APC by Schneider Electric channel partner.

    He said financial differentiation, including upfront preferred pricing, an opportunity registration programme, back-end incentives and other opportunities to ensure that the partner relationship is profitable to the vendors. These are some of the things vendors stand to gain for being partners, he said.

    “Our channel partners are significant part of our business. They figure prominently in our planning and strategy process. This is the basis for our desire to reward those who identify with the programme to enable them increase their profitability and create demand for products and services from APC by Schneider Electric,” he added.

  • Ikeja Electric repositions

    Ikeja Electric repositions

    Ikeja Electric has embarked on strategic steps to reposition its business and reinforce its vision to be the provider of choice.

    In the last few months, the electricity distribution company has scaled up its metering programme to meet the expectations of its customers and further reduce the agitation on estimated billing.

    It has also achieved significant strides in human capital development, which is critical to the repositioning programme, the Head, Corporate Communications, Felix Ofulue, said.

    As part of the strategic initiative, the company also embarked on a re-engineering exercise focused on aligning the company’s structure with its operating model and optimising human capital capacity for better efficiency.

    “One of the key objectives of Ikeja Electric is to create a high performing organisation, which satisfies the needs of all of our stakeholders, especially our customers, as we reposition for growth.

    ‘’We wish to assure all our customers that the organisation has put in place processes to ensure excellent delivery of quality service to our customers in 2016 and beyond,”  he added