EV company co-led by Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter eyes Phoenix for potential HQ
An electric vehicle company co-founded by Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter is visiting Phoenix next month to explore the possibility of opening its headquarters in the Valley.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Electric Vehicle Group, in partnership with nonprofit 1 Life Organization and Phoenix-based Integro Bank, will host a Business and Tech Development Leadership Summit on Aug. 18 to formally launch the electric vehicle company and introduce the concept for its model NR1 car to the public.
The summit — which will be held at Integro Bank, 16215 N. 28th Ave. in Phoenix — is part of NRM-EV’s multicity promotional awareness tour. Arizona’s thriving electric vehicle industry was a draw for NRM-EV to host the leadership summit in the Valley, according to the company.
“They’re still seeking a headquarters. I think that’s part of their purpose of having us host here,” Thomas Inserra, Integro Bank president and CEO told the Business Journal. “They had noticed that there are other electric car manufacturers based in Arizona, so this is one of the possible locations for their headquarters.”
NRM-EV describes itself as the first Black female and male veteran-owned car company. NRM-EV’s leadership consists of co-founders B.Taylor and Ndileka Mandela, who is Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter. Taylor, the company’s chief engineer, is based out of Las Vegas, while Mandela, who is head of special projects, lives in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Business leaders, city representatives, elected officials, prospective suppliers and investors will have an opportunity to learn about the company’s mission and electric vehicle development plans at the summit.
“I think they can expect to hear more about B. Taylor, his personal life journey, what motivated him to want to found an electric car company and his connection with the Nelson Mandela nonprofit,” Inserra said. “It’s an incredible personal journey for him. He feels really compelled in his life to make an impact, and he has nonprofit organizations as well. So he’s just got a tremendous background, and it really captured our attention and we wanted to help in some way.”
Inserra is a board member of NRM-EV, according to the company’s website.
Co-founder a Billboard-charted musician
Taylor is a Navy veteran with an engineering background. He’s also an award-winning producer and musician, having been discovered by Warren “Pete” Moore, an original member of Motown group the Miracles, according to NRM-EV’s website. In 2011, Taylor’s single “Fire in Your Eyes” featuring Pauley Perrette reached No. 1 in Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales chart. Taylor has performed for President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.
Taylor also founded the 1 Life Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to helping active-duty military, veterans, first responders and their families.
NRM-EV is looking at areas in both the Southwest and Southeast for its potential headquarters, Taylor told the Business Journal.
NRM-EV obtained approval in 2022 from the Nelson Mandela Foundation to use the late activist and politician’s signature on the company’s electric vehicles. A percentage of revenue generated from electric vehicle sales will go toward the Nelson Mandela and Thembekile Mandela foundations, according to the company.
NRM-EV said it has investment partners and is raising capital. It declined to disclose its investors or the amount of funding it has raised, stating that information will be disclosed in at a later date.
The company aims to provide employment opportunities to minorities and veterans, Taylor said.
“Nelson Mandela stood for unity, love and equality,” Taylor said. “… My goal is to continue to work with the foundation and his granddaughter so that we keep his legacy the way he would see fit if he was still here as he looks down from up above.”
NRM-EV has developed an initial rendering of its electric vehicle and is working with an engineering team to potentially bring it to market in about two years, Taylor said.