Electric Shuttle Bus: NADDC Collaborates with Varsities

The National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) has launched an initiative to develop an eight-seater electric shuttle bus in partnership with 12 public universities across Nigeria.

Electric shuttle bus project, tagged “8-seater Electric Campus Shuttle Bus Competition,” aims to promote innovation, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in the Nigerian automotive sector.

According to NADDC Director-General Joseph Osanipin, the project seeks to challenge Nigerian universities to develop better electric batteries for vehicles.

The initiative also aims to promote innovation and self-sufficiency in the automotive sector, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign technology. The project’s objectives include:

• – Developing an eight-seater electric shuttle bus that is affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly
  
• – Promoting innovation and sustainability in the Nigerian automotive sector
  
• – Encouraging local content development and reducing reliance on foreign technology
• – Providing students with practical experience in project management, design, and sourcing.
  
  The 12 participating universities, drawn from the six geopolitical zones, include:
• 
  – Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
  – Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto
  – Modibbo Adama University, Yola
  – Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University
  – University of Abuja (Yakubu Gowon University)
  – University of Ilorin, Ilorin
  – University of Nigeria, Nsukka
  – Federal University of Technology, Owerri
  – University of Benin
  – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
  – University of Lagos, Yaba
  – University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt

The competition will run for six months, during which students will be judged based on their project management skills, global automotive sector insights, and component sourcing and supply chain management.

The NADDC will provide logistical support to the participating universities. The competition’s evaluation criteria include:

• – Project management skills (30%)
  – Global automotive sector insights (20%)
  – Component sourcing and supply chain management (20%)
  – Innovation and creativity (30%)

The project is expected to promote innovation and sustainability in the Nigerian automotive sector, reducing the country’s reliance on foreign technology. The initiative will also provide students with practical experience in project management, design, and sourcing, preparing them for careers in the automotive industry. Additionally, the project will:

• 
  – Encourage local content development and reduce reliance on foreign technology
  – Promote sustainable transportation and reduce environmental pollution
  – Create job opportunities in the automotive sector
  
  The electric shuttle bus is expected to have the following specifications:
  
  – Seating capacity: 8 passengers
  – Range: 100 km (62 miles)
  – Top speed: 80 km/h (50 mph)
  – Battery type: Lithium-ion
  – Charging time: 2 hours

The NADDC’s partnership with universities to develop an electric shuttle bus is a commendable initiative that promotes innovation, sustainability, and self-sufficiency in the Nigerian automotive sector. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the country’s automotive industry, reducing reliance on foreign technology and promoting local content development.