CHINESE bus maker Yutong on Tuesday launched the first electric mass transit buses targeting public transport in Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, as the country prepares for the gradual shift from internal combustion engine-powered vehicles to sustainable electric vehicles (EVs).

The project is a collaboration between the Oando Clean Energy Limited, Yutong’s partner in Nigeria, and the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to start proof-of-concept with two Yutong electric buses on the Bus Rapid Transit road in Lagos.

The mass transit bus has a capacity of 80 passengers with room for both seating and standing commuters.

Speaking at the official launch event of the proof-of-concept phase of the electric bus project, the governor of the Lagos state Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the move to adopt electric mobility technology is in sync with the state’s aspiration to be a modernized and mechanized megacity.

Represented by Frederic Oladeinde, commissioner for transportation in the state, the governor said the state was committed to increasing the number of green vehicles through partnerships to boost the sustainability of the sector. (Xinhua)