Roxettes Motors, a startup based in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria, is one of the latest players in the country’s local EV race. While the company’s current models like the Volta-X are priced around ₦39 million, there appears to be potential for more affordable options under ₦10 million as the company scales, though no such pricing has been confirmed yet. Social media highlights excitement around grassroots entrepreneurship, with users praising the vehicles’ eco-friendly design and the role of Igbo innovators in Nigeria’s EV sector. Evidence leans toward ongoing development rather than a single reveal date, with buzz building since late 2024 and continuing into 2025.
Roxettes Motors, officially Roxettes Eco-Drives Ltd, emerged in 2022 as an indigenous Nigerian firm focused on sustainable transportation. Founded by CEO Kelechi Orji, it specialises in electric, hybrid, CNG, and gasoline vehicles, emphasising zero-emission solutions to reduce carbon footprints. The company operates from its assembly plant in Obuaku Industrial City, Abia State, with a capacity for up to 40,000 vehicles annually and plans to employ over 1,000 locals. This aligns with Nigeria’s push toward green mobility, positioning Roxettes alongside pioneers like Innoson Motors.
Roxettes Motors represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s automotive landscape, emerging from the bustling city of Aba in Abia State—a region long celebrated for its mechanical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit. Often dubbed Nigeria’s “Silicon Valley of Mechanics,” Aba has historically been a hotspot for grassroots innovation, where Igbo artisans and engineers have transformed scrap into functional machinery, populating mechanic villages across major cities like Lagos and Abuja. This nickname stems from the area’s dense concentration of workshops that repair, fabricate, and innovate on everything from vehicles to electronics, drawing parallels to Silicon Valley’s tech ecosystem but grounded in hands-on manufacturing. Recent developments under Governor Alex Otti’s administration, including improved roads, uninterrupted power in parts of Aba, and initiatives like the Abia Green Shuttle (Nigeria’s first electric bus system), have further fueled this innovative environment, creating fertile ground for startups like Roxettes.
Orji’s vision centers on sustainable mobility, with a zero-tolerance policy for high-carbon emissions. The firm began operations at its assembly plant in the Eco-Drives Green Metropolis Free Trade Zone, Obuaku Industrial City, Ukwa East Local Government Area. This facility, launched in 2024, boasts an annual production capacity of 40,000 vehicles and is projected to create over 1,000 jobs, directly contributing to local employment and skill development. Roxettes positions itself as a disruptor in Africa’s EV market, aiming to produce vehicles that are not only eco-friendly but also tailored to Nigerian roads and needs—combining durability, efficiency, and modern tech.
The company’s electric vehicle lineup, which includes models like the Blaze-X, Aero-U75 Plus, Surge-X, Lumen-VX7, and Volta-X, was publicly showcased through test drives starting in late 2024. A notable event occurred on 23rd November, 2024, at Okpara Square in Enugu, where locals nicknamed the Surge-X “Efi Igbo” (Igbo Cow) and “Enyimba” (Elephant), reflecting cultural pride in its robust design. Social media buzz amplified this, with videos and posts from influencers and users highlighting the vehicles’ silent operation, zero fuel dependency, and luxurious features. By October 2025, discussions on platforms like X continued to grow, with posts on 26th October emphasising the “beautiful electric cars” made in Aba. This timing aligns with broader national efforts, such as the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) policy launch and exhibitions at the Aba International Trade Fair, where Roxettes displayed prototypes and fulfilled early orders.
Key features across the lineup include 4WD drivetrains for varied terrains, laser-welded steel bodies for ruggedness, large touchscreen displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, wireless charging pads, 360-degree camera systems for safety, sport-tuned suspensions, and advanced battery technology providing instant torque. For instance, the Volta-X offers a 300km range on a full charge, with sensors, LED lights, and a futuristic interior featuring deep-freezer-like AC and auto-parking via a button. Charging is practical and cost-effective: a full charge costs between ₦4,000 and ₦11,000 using a 15-amp socket or portable charger, allowing flexibility for home or on-the-go use. These attributes make the vehicles suitable for urban commuting, family use, or commercial fleets, with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact—aligning with global shifts toward clean energy.
Regarding affordability, while current data shows higher entry points such as ₦39 million for the Volta-X, this may reflect premium positioning for initial launches, with no confirmed models below that threshold. However, broader Nigerian EV trends suggest possibilities: competitors like EMVC offer cars from ₦12 million, and Roxettes’ focus on local production could lower costs through economies of scale, reduced import duties, and government incentives for green tech. The company’s mission to make sustainable transport accessible implies future budget-friendly variants, especially as infrastructure like solar charging stations expands. Challenges include Nigeria’s limited charging network and power instability, but initiatives in Abia—such as 45 days of continuous electricity in Aba—signal progress.
Social and economic impact is evident in the enthusiasm from users, who view Roxettes as a symbol of Igbo resilience and African self-reliance. Posts celebrate it as “Igbo to the world,” comparing locals to the “Japanese and Chinese of Africa” for their ingenuity. Donations like the Blaze-X to the Southeast Development Commission further underscore community ties. As Nigeria transitions from petrol dependency, Roxettes could play a key role, but success hinges on addressing affordability, expanding distribution , and countering skepticism from those wary of new entrants.
In summary, Roxettes Motors embodies the innovative spirit of Aba, with its EVs offering a blend of luxury, sustainability, and local pride. While not yet at sub-₦10 million pricing, the potential exists amid growing support for Nigeria’s EV ecosystem.
