Nord subsidiary, Tavet, rolls out EV utility van, sedan, luxury car

Nord subsidiary, Tavet, rolls out EV utility van, sedan, luxury car

 

In a bold step toward clean mobility, Nigerian automaker Nord Automobiles Limited has launched Tavet Motion, a new electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary, alongside the unveiling of three locally assembled models—Luto, Garent, and Vant—at a high-profile ceremony in Lagos.

Held Thursday evening at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, the launch attracted top government officials, military chiefs and industry leaders, in what experts described as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s automotive industry and a decisive push toward 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.”

Vant

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

It comes with a payload of up to 1440 kilograms, and a massive cargo volume of 2.8m length. It attains a 20% to 80% charging in just 45 minutes.

Luto

The Luto a smart, pragmatic EV that can deliver up to 200 kilometres per charge, comes with driver/passenger air bags, reversing camera, ABS, Hill Start Assist among others.

Its size makes gives it the advantage of being able to be parked even in tight corners and is perfect for city life.

Garent
The Garent, being the flagship of the lineup, is a luxury sedan with advanced systems such as Adoptive Cruise Control, Lane-keeping Assist, Automatic emergency braking and optional scissor doors among others.

With a coupe-inspired lift back design, the Garent delivers up to 1200 kilometres per charge and 15.6 inch centre display and a 8.8 inch instrument cluster etc.

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

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.