Remember when the most exciting thing about transport innovation was your conductor somehow squeezing 25 people into an 18-seater danfo? Well, times are changing, and Nigeria isn’t just catching up – we’re aiming to break records.
Sterling Bank’s renewable energy mobility solution, Qoray, is gearing up to make history by attempting the Guinness World Record for the longest distance covered by an electric tricycle. But before we get into that ambitious feat, let’s take a quick ride through some fascinating moments in electric vehicle history.
The Electric Journey: Not As New As You Think
While your uncle might think electric vehicles are just another newfangled invention like TikTok, they’ve actually been around since before Nigeria became Nigeria. The first electric vehicle was created in 1832 – back when our great-great-grandparents were probably still walking miles to the market.
Breaking Records: The African Connection
Africa has been quietly making moves in the electric vehicle space. In 2015, the Cape to Cairo electric vehicle expedition made history as the longest journey by an electric vehicle in Africa. The team covered 12,000 kilometers across nine countries – that’s like going from Lagos to Kano 13 times!
But Why Electric Tricycles?
For those wondering why we’re focusing on tricycles (or Keke as we know them), here’s a reality check: Nigeria has over one million commercial tricycles on its roads. These three-wheeled warriors transport millions of Nigerians daily, from the busy streets of Oshodi to the narrow lanes of Sabon Gari. By revolutionizing this sector with electric alternatives, we’re not just breaking records – we’re breaking barriers to sustainable transport.
Qoray’s World Record Attempt: Be Part of History!
Now, here’s where you come in. Qoray’s historic world record attempt will take place at the iconic National Theater, Iganmu. Starting at 7am sharp, our electric tricycle will embark on a 12-hour journey that could put Nigeria in the global spotlight. The best part? You’re invited to witness history in the making – completely free of charge!
Picture this: As the morning sun rises over the National Theater, our electric keke will begin its record-breaking journey. While some Lagosians are still hitting their snooze buttons, Qoray will be silently revolutionizing the future of transportation in Nigeria.
The record attempt will showcase how electric vehicles can handle Nigerian conditions – from our famous potholes to our even more famous heat. If a Qoray electric tricycle can set a world record, imagine what it could do for your daily commute.
What This Means for Nigeria
This isn’t just about getting into the Guinness World Records book (though that would be nice). It’s about showing that Nigeria can be at the forefront of sustainable transport solutions in Africa. We’re not waiting for hand-me-down technology from abroad; we’re creating our own path.
Think about it: while other countries are struggling to convince their citizens to adopt electric vehicles, we have an opportunity to leapfrog directly into sustainable transport solutions that make sense for our market.
The Road Ahead
As Qoray prepares for this record-breaking attempt, it’s worth remembering that every great journey starts with a single step – or in this case, a single charge. Whether this attempt succeeds or not, it’s already proving that Nigerian innovation can compete on the world stage.
Mark Your Calendar!
Date: Saturday, January 25th, 2025.
Time: 7am – 7pm
Venue: National Theater, Iganmu, Lagos.
Entry: Free for all!
So the next time you’re stuck in traffic watching a line of kekes inch forward, remember: you’re probably looking at the past. The future is electric, and for once, Nigeria isn’t just along for the ride – we’re in the driver’s seat.
Come be part of history! Whether you stay for an hour or the full 12, you’ll be witnessing the beginning of Nigeria’s electric revolution. And unlike your neighbor’s generator, this one will be quiet.