Abia State Charges Ahead with Homegrown Electric Bus Fleet

In a bold step toward sustainable public transportation, Coscharis Motors has rolled out the first wave of cutting-edge electric buses tailored specifically for Abia State's commercial routes.

The initial delivery includes 20 sleek 40-seater vehicles, freshly imported from China and showcased to automotive journalists by Coscharis Group President, Dr. Cosmos Maduka. These modern coaches, branded as Asia-Coscharis models, boast an impressive range of up to 300 kilometers on a full charge, making them ideal for daily intracity operations.

Dr. Maduka highlighted the partnership's focus on forward-thinking mobility. "We're all about pushing boundaries in innovation," he explained during the unveiling. Another 20 units are already in production, with additional orders in the works to expand the fleet further.

What sets these buses apart is their thoughtful design for passenger comfort and safety. They feature wheelchair-accessible ramps that extend automatically to assist those with mobility challenges, dedicated seating at the rear for accessibility, onboard phone charging ports, and a network of interior and exterior cameras for enhanced security. Maduka noted that the surveillance system helps deter theft and creates a safer environment, adding that the rides offer a premium experience comparable to top-tier services abroad.

Safety remains a top priority, with multiple emergency exits, automatic doors, break-glass hammers, and dual fire extinguishers strategically placed throughout the cabin.

On the infrastructure side, Coscharis Technologies is collaborating to install dedicated charging stations powered largely by solar energy, ensuring the buses operate independently of the national grid. Overnight charging will keep them ready for service, and depending on routes like Umuahia to Aba, a single charge could last several days.

Maduka emphasized the shift to pure electric over alternatives like compressed natural gas vehicles. "The future is full electrification. No pistons, no rings, just batteries you charge and go," he said, pointing out the lower maintenance and environmental benefits.

Looking ahead, Coscharis plans to ramp up local involvement by assembling electric buses and pickup trucks at its Lagos facility in Awoyaya. The company, which previously supplied hundreds of buses to Lagos State's transit system, aims to build its own branded vehicles and eventually move toward full manufacturing in Nigeria.

This initiative positions Abia as a pioneer in green urban transport, blending reliability, eco-friendliness, and modern amenities to transform how people move around the state. As more units hit the roads, it could inspire similar upgrades across the country.