Coscharis Motors has introduced its first set of factory-built Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, branded Joy Long, into the Nigerian market. This marks a significant step in the country’s transition towards cleaner and more cost-effective transportation.
As part of its mid-term strategy, the automobile company revealed plans to begin assembling these CNG buses locally at its Lagos-based assembly plant in the near future, reinforcing its commitment to domestic manufacturing and job creation.
The newly launched 2.7-liter engine bus is designed for dual-fuel operation, allowing seamless switching between Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and CNG. It features a 15-liter petrol tank alongside a 220-liter CNG capacity, ensuring flexibility and extended driving range.
Unlike converted CNG vehicles that typically have their gas cylinders installed in the trunk, the factory-built Joy Long buses come with securely mounted CNG cylinders beneath the chassis, enhancing safety and maximizing interior space.
Currently, Coscharis is offering a 19-seater variant, with plans to expand its lineup with additional seating configurations to meet market demand.
This launch underscores Coscharis Motors’ commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions and supporting Nigeria’s drive toward alternative fuel adoption in the transportation sector.
Similarly, Coscharis Motors officially launched its factory-built Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, branded Joy Long, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Lagos, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly and cost-effective transportation in Nigeria.
Present at the unveiling were key executives, including Mr. Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications; Mr. Anthony Efe, National Sales Manager, Joy Long Brand; Mr. Charity Isah, Head of Logistics & Operations; and Mr. Felix Adepinye, Head of CNG Conversion.
Cost Efficiency and Nationwide Reach
Speaking at the event, Anthony Efe emphasized the economic benefits of the CNG-powered bus, stating that it offers a 50% reduction in fuel costs compared to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), along with low engine noise and reduced maintenance expenses.
He assured prospective buyers that the buses would be readily available across Coscharis’ regional offices in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and Ibadan, ensuring accessibility for customers nationwide.
Seamless Fuel Transition & Long-Range Capability
Efe also highlighted the bus’s dual-fuel capability, allowing drivers to switch effortlessly between PMS and CNG at the press of a button. Equipped with a 15-liter petrol tank and a 220-liter CNG capacity, the vehicle boasts an impressive range of up to 400km on a full CNG refill, which costs less than ₦10,000—a game-changer in today’s fuel market.
Unlike retrofitted CNG vehicles, the Joy Long buses feature securely mounted cylinders beneath the chassis, maximizing interior space and enhancing safety.
Warranty & Future Expansion
Coscharis backs the new buses with a two-year or 60,000km warranty, assuring buyers of quality and durability. While the 19-seater variant is currently available, Efe hinted at plans to introduce additional models to cater to diverse market needs.
With this launch, Coscharis Motors is not just delivering vehicles but championing a sustainable and cost-effective transport revolution in Nigeria.
More importantly, Coscharis Motors is making bold strides in the Nigerian automobile industry with its Joy Long bus brand, offering customizable seating capacities to meet diverse customer needs. According to Babarinde, a senior executive at the company, the flexibility in seat arrangements allows clients to modify the bus configuration based on their specifications.
As part of its mid-term expansion strategy, Coscharis Motors is gearing up to commence the local assembly of these buses in Nigeria. Babarinde emphasized that the company’s assembly plant, which has been instrumental in producing various vehicle models, will play a pivotal role in this new venture.
“You are already familiar with our assembly plant, and over time, we will leverage this asset to produce brands with hybrid specifications,” he stated. He recalled that the Joy Long bus was the first model assembled at the company’s former Ikeja facility before operations were relocated. “The idea behind the plant is to remain adaptable rather than being restricted to specific brands. In the near future, we hope to assemble the Joy Long buses locally.”
Coscharis Motors has also forged a strong partnership with its Chinese collaborators to market the Joy Long brand across Nigeria. The company is targeting a broad spectrum of customers, including schools, logistics firms, government agencies, corporate organizations, and religious institutions.
To make ownership more accessible, Coscharis Motors is offering flexible financing options through its subsidiary, Coscharis Mobility. “Prospective buyers can reach out to Coscharis Mobility for financing solutions. The company provides financial support for this and all our existing brands. We encourage our customers to explore this opportunity,” Babarinde added.
With this initiative, Coscharis Motors is not only expanding its footprint in the Nigerian transportation sector but also reinforcing its commitment to local vehicle assembly and economic growth.