New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- E-mobility companies in Africa are beginning to assemble electric vans and taxis locally, using Chinese-made kits and innovative financing to spread use of electric public transport across the continent.

Saglev of Nigeria has begun assembling 18-seater passenger electric vans using imported kits supplied by Chinese automaker Dongfeng Motor Corp. The Lagos-based company says it plans to make up to 2,500 vehicles a year, eventually assembling 17 electric models for Nigeria and other West African markets.

"This is a major step in Nigeria's transition toward clean, fossil-free transportation," said Saglev's CEO Olu Falaye. He said the van is the first locally assembled electric vehicle of its kind for mass transit in N...