ROTIMI ASHER
Nissan has recorded its first ever electric vehicle expedition across Africa through its Nissan LEAF ELECTRIC car.
The car which is the world’s most popular electric vehicle, driven by a renowned Polish explorer, Arkady pawel 
Fieldler, arrived in Nigeria from Cape Town, South Africa via West Africa to Europe.
Arkady who in February this year inaugurated the first ever electric vehicle (EV) expedition, drove the first generation electric Nissan LEAF car that is powered by 30 kwh battery with a range of 250 kilometers in a period of two months, covering 8,000 kilometers alongside his companion, Albert Wojtowicz, an architect cum photograph
er.
In his address while receiving the duo of Arkady and Albert at Stallion NMN, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday, Head of the company’s Sales and Marketing, Amit Sharma said, ‘’we are proud of this initiative, being the first ever electric vehicle expedition across Africa,’’ adding that, ‘’ Nissan tagline – ‘Innovation that excites’ has always kept the brand going, scoring so many FIRST in its entire outings.’’
‘’Without mincing words,’’ he stated, ‘’ mobility is going electric already and Africa can’t be an exception. We must therefore move along with the entire world as EV becomes the mobility of the future. We at Stallion NMN cherish this milestone.’’
Sharma said, ‘’ the Nissan LEAF is a pioneer of its kind, and being the world’s first 100 percent electric zero emission car designed for the mass market, it incorporates the latest IT systems, and always connected to driving support functions for a secure and convenient ownership experience.’’
He noted that, ‘’ the Nissan LEAF, which was launched in December 2010 in Japan and the United States first made its debut in Europe and other markets in 2011. It has ever since continued to win numerous international accolades including 2011 European car of the year, 2011 world car of the year and 2011/12 car of the year Japan awards among others.’’
‘’ And with ongoing provision of infrastructure facilities across the continent and persistent media hype, electric mobility is sure to become an attraction of auto buffs anytime soon,’’ Sharma added.
Also speaking to the press, Fieldler, the explorer said, ‘; apart from being the first ever electric vehicle expedition across the African continent, the trip with Nissan LEAF aims to build awareness for electric mobility and new cleaner technologies in Africa, Poland and the world at large.
He said, ‘’ when it comes to considering which kind of electric car I would drive across Africa, we took into account several brands featuring similar specifications but this particular model was favoured.It has been a proven model since 2010 and just in January 2018, the Nissan- Renault Alliance announced the delivery of the 300,000 th LEAF car sold worldwide.’’
According to him,’’ besides being the world’s first 100 percent electric zero emission car designed for the mass market, its advanced powertrain provides a totally new driving experience with smooth, responsive acceleration with stable handling and quietness.’’
‘’If I can convince someone in Europe that I embarked on a long-haul trip by crossing this massive Africa continent with an electric vehicle, then it is possible more people will buy a car like this.’’
The explorers, who are billed to proceed to the Republic of Benin in their schedule, will also visit Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Mauritania, Morocco, before terminating in Poland.
They had earlier visited Namibia, Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon since leaving South Africa.
