If you’re in Lagos and love spotting rare cars, Ikoyi is easily the best place to be. It’s the one part of the city where you’ll see vehicles you never imagined could be in Nigeria, the kind you usually only catch in movies. Take a stroll across the Ikoyi bridge on a calm evening, and you might see an exotic ride cruising past, often flanked by a Toyota Hilux serving as its security escort.
One soft Sunday afternoon, I decided to stop by Suriye Restaurant for a quick chill. As I parked my Hyundai and was about to step in, something caught my attention. Right before my eyes was a 2024 Honda e:NP2 — a sleek, compact electric SUV from Honda, it was such a rare sight that passersby had to do a double-take. For many, it was hard to believe an EV like that was already cruising the streets of Lagos.
This wasn’t just any car; it was Honda’s newest electric SUV, launched in 2024 by GAC Honda in China. While most Nigerians are still debating between Tokunbo Camrys and brand-new SUVs, this sighting hinted at something bigger: Honda EVs are slowly making their way into Nigeria’s streets.
The Honda e:NP2 – A Quick Background
Honda introduced the e:NP2 and its twin, the e:NS2, as part of its e:N Series of electric vehicles. Built through Honda’s joint venture with GAC in China, the e:NP2 combines Honda’s long-standing reputation for reliability with the modern push towards sustainable mobility.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Honda e:NP2
- Body style: Compact electric SUV
- Design: Futuristic front fascia with sharp LED lighting, coupe-inspired roofline
- Powertrain: Fully battery-electric, with ranges estimated between 420 km – 510 km (CLTC standard)
- Performance: Electric motor output around 150 kW (201 hp) with ~310 Nm torque
- Interior: Large central touchscreen, AI-powered infotainment, premium leather seating
- Launch market: China (via GAC Honda), with exports likely to expand in Asia and beyond
For a company that made its mark in Nigeria with cars like the Honda Accord “End of Discussion” and the CR-V, this leap into electric SUVs is significant.
Why This EV Matters for Nigerians
1. Honda’s First Real Push into Electric Cars
While Honda has experimented with EVs before—the quirky Honda e in Europe and earlier prototypes like the EV Plus—the e:NP2 is the first mass-market Honda EV SUV. This matters because SUVs dominate Nigerian roads, from family cars to company fleets.
2. A Glimpse into Nigeria’s EV Future
Spotting the e:NP2 in Ikoyi is symbolic. Luxury estates like Banana Island have reliable electricity compared to many parts of Lagos, making EV charging more practical. It suggests that Nigeria’s EV adoption may start in wealthy urban bubbles before trickling down to the wider public.
3. Competition with Chinese Brands
Nigeria has already seen a surge of affordable Chinese EVs, like those from BYD and Changan. Honda’s entry into the EV space could raise the stakes, offering Nigerians a trusted Japanese badge with EV innovation.
How the e:NP2 Compares to the Honda e
The Honda e, launched in 2020 in Europe, was Honda’s first ground-up EV for city driving. It was a small hatchback with futuristic styling, twin touchscreens, and agile handling—perfect for Tokyo or London streets, but not for Lagos traffic or Nigerian highways.
The e:NP2 fixes that by being:
- Bigger (SUV size instead of city hatchback)
- Longer range (over 400 km vs ~200 km in the Honda e)
- Designed for broader markets, including developing countries
In short, the e:NP2 is the Honda EV that Nigerians can realistically aspire to, unlike the niche Honda e.
Challenges of Owning a Honda EV in Nigeria
Charging Infrastructure
Nigeria still lacks a proper EV charging network. While places like Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki might soon see charging stations in malls or petrol stations, most of the country is far behind.
Electricity Supply
Let’s be honest—NEPA and EVs don’t mix well. For now, generators and solar home systems might become the backbone for charging EVs in Nigeria until the grid becomes more reliable.
Cost Barrier
The 2024 Honda e:NP2 is priced around ¥250,000 – ¥300,000 in China (~₦40–50 million before import duties). By the time it lands in Nigeria, taxes and dealer markups could push the price much higher. For now, it’s clearly a car for the elite.
Why Some Nigerians Will Still Buy It
Despite these hurdles, the e:NP2 will appeal to a certain class of Nigerian buyers:
- Status symbol: Just like Mercedes and Lexus SUVs, a Honda EV signals sophistication.
- Eco-conscious elites: Wealthy Nigerians who want to show they care about climate change will gravitate toward EVs.
- Tech lovers: With AI-powered infotainment and futuristic interiors, the e:NP2 appeals to gadget-savvy drivers.
Imagine pulling up at Eko Hotel in a silent, futuristic SUV while others rumble in petrol-powered G-Wagons—it’s the kind of flex that speaks louder than horsepower.
The Bigger Picture for Honda EVs in Africa
Honda has been late to the EV party compared to rivals like Toyota, BYD, or Tesla. But the e:NP2 shows the company is serious about catching up. If Nigeria embraces electric mobility in the next decade, Honda could leverage its brand loyalty to dominate, just as it once did with the Accord and CR-V.
Government policy will also play a huge role. With rising petrol prices and subsidy cuts, EVs may eventually become not just a luxury but a cost-saving alternative.
Conclusion
The sighting of the 2024 Honda e:NP2 in Ikoyi is more than just car gossip—it’s a glimpse of Nigeria’s automotive future. While challenges remain, charging, electricity, and affordability, Honda’s entry into the EV space signals that the future of mobility in Nigeria will eventually be electric.
For now, the e:NP2 belongs to the elites of Banana Island. But as technology improves and infrastructure expands, more Nigerians could one day experience what it feels like to cruise silently in a Honda EV.
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