Electric car (EVs) are no longer a foreign concept in Nigeria. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the quieter suburbs of Abuja, sightings of models like the Hyundai Kona EV, BMW i3, and Tesla Model S are increasing. But beyond the sleek design and zero fuel stops, one big question remains: how much does it actually cost to maintain an electric car in Nigeria?
Let’s break it down.
Are Electric Cars Really Cheaper to Maintain?
Short answer: yes. EVs typically have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. No oil changes. No timing belts. Fewer filters. According to research from Nairametrics, Nigerian EV owners can expect to spend between ₦50,000 and ₦100,000 annually on maintenance. That’s about 30–50% lower than what ICE car owners spend in the same period.
This figure aligns with data from Kashgain and is further supported by estimates adjusted for Nigeria’s economic conditions and labour costs.
Breakdown of Typical EV Maintenance Costs
Here’s a realistic look at what your electric vehicle might cost you per year in Nigeria, based on moderate use:
| Maintenance Task | Estimated Cost (₦) | Frequency | Annual Cost (₦) |
| Tire Rotation | 2,000 – 5,000 | Yearly | 3,500 (avg.) |
| Cabin Air Filter | 7,000 (part) + 2,000 (labour) | Yearly | 9,000 |
| Brake Inspection | 5,000 | Yearly | 5,000 |
| Brake Fluid Replacement | 5,000 (part) + 3,000 (labour) | Every 2 years | 4,000 (annualised) |
| Coolant Replacement | 10,000 | Every 5 years | 2,000 (annualised) |
| Tyre Replacement (4 tyres) | 200,000 | Every 5 years | 40,000 (annualised) |
| Brake Pad Replacement | 20,000 | Every 5 years | 4,000 (annualised) |
| Wiper Blade Replacement | 5,000 | Yearly | 5,000 |
Total Estimated Annual Maintenance: ₦72,500
This amount is far lower than ICE vehicle maintenance, which averages between ₦100,000 to ₦200,000 yearly.
What Drives the Cost Differences?
1. Model and Usage
Higher-end EVs like the Tesla Model S or BMW i3 may incur slightly higher maintenance costs, especially if spare parts need to be flown in. Local favourites like the Hyundai Kona EV offer more affordable upkeep.
Urban drivers typically experience less wear and tear than those navigating unpaved rural roads, affecting tyre and brake life.
2. Service Centre Availability
Service infrastructure for EVs in Nigeria is still in early stages. A lack of trained technicians and diagnostic tools can push up labour costs. But this is changing.
In July 2025, TotalEnergies partnered with Qoray to establish more EV-specific service centres. These centres now offer diagnostics, routine servicing, and minor repairs for popular EVs.
3. Parts Availability
Most EV parts are still imported, which means customs, logistics delays, and dollar-naira exchange volatility can drive up replacement costs. However, because EVs require fewer parts overall, the cost impact is moderate.
What About Big Repairs?
Routine maintenance is cheap. But large repairs? Not always.
For example, battery replacement remains the elephant in the garage. Costs can exceed ₦10 million, depending on the make and model. That said, most EV batteries come with warranties ranging from 5 to 8 years. The Hyundai Kona EV offers a 5-year/100,000km warranty that covers major components. If you maintain your vehicle properly, you likely won’t face such a bill anytime soon.
While these are international figures, they support the local trend: EVs are consistently cheaper to maintain.
The Hidden Cost Advantage
One often-overlooked benefit? Time saved. No oil changes. No frequent part replacements. Less time at the mechanic = more time for you.
Plus, consider the rising fuel prices. Many EV drivers in Lagos have slashed their monthly fueling cost by over 70%, just by charging at home or using stations that cost as low as $0.40 to $0.60 per kWh (around ₦90 to ₦150).
What the Future Holds
The EV ecosystem is evolving fast. New partnerships, like that between Qoray and TotalEnergies, signal an expansion of the support network. More trained technicians. More service centres. Better access to parts.
As highlighted by Vehiclespot.ng, improved infrastructure will mean more consistent pricing and faster service turnaround.
Even local influencers like Kennedy Okonkwo have publicly noted that EVs can offer up to 70% lower maintenance costs, and initiatives by government and private sectors are helping to support this shift.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering going for an electric car in Nigeria, maintenance shouldn’t be your biggest concern. With annual costs around ₦50,000 to ₦100,000, EVs are proving to be a smarter financial choice long-term.
But timing is key. Infrastructure is still growing. Choose models with active local support and service warranties. And keep an eye on emerging partnerships in the auto and energy sectors.
