Coscharis Motors unveils 20 electric buses for Abia State, featuring 300km range, modern safety tech, and solar-powered charging infrastructure.
In a major step toward green transportation in Nigeria, Coscharis Motors has rolled out a new fleet of electric-powered 40-seater buses built for the Abia State Government. The first batch of 20 buses, produced in partnership with a Chinese manufacturer, was formally unveiled in Apapa by the President of Coscharis Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka.
According to Maduka, the Asia-Coscharis electric buses can travel up to 300 kilometres on a single charge, making them ideal for intrastate routes such as Umuahia, Aba, and other major Abia towns. He noted that additional batches are already in production, with another 20 units nearing completion.
Innovation-Driven Features
Dr. Maduka emphasized that the new buses reflect Coscharis’ commitment to innovation and safer urban mobility. The electric buses come fitted with modern technology, including:
Surveillance cameras inside and outside the bus
Wheelchair accessibility through an automated side-lift system
Passenger phone-charging ports
Automatic doors and multiple emergency exits
Fire extinguishers and safety hammers for emergencies
He added that passengers are digitally recorded upon entry, creating a more secure travel environment and drastically reducing risks such as pickpocketing.
Dedicated Charging Infrastructure
To ensure uninterrupted operations, Coscharis Technologies is collaborating with Abia State to establish a dedicated charging station powered by solar energy. This facility will host more than 20 charging points capable of supporting the current and future fleet.
Maduka assured that with a full charge, the buses can operate for several days depending on route mileage, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional fuel and CNG-powered vehicles.
Why Electric Buses Over CNG?
Addressing questions on technology choice, Maduka explained that electric buses offer a simpler and more sustainable system compared to CNG-powered vehicles, which still rely on internal combustion components.
“This is where the world is going, pure electrification,” he said.
Plans for Local Assembly
Coscharis Motors is also expanding its electric vehicle capabilities by upgrading its Awoyaya assembly plant in Lagos. While the facility currently operates as a Semi Knocked Down (SKD) plant, the company aims to transition to a Complete Knock Down (CKD) operation, enabling full vehicle manufacturing in Nigeria.
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The company has a long history of supplying buses nationwide, including over 800 units delivered for Lagos commercial operations. The Abia electric buses represent Coscharis’ first EV deployment for a state government, a development Maduka described as a “new movement” other states should emulate.