Although there is huge potential for the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in Bangladesh, uninterrupted power supply, inadequacy of charging stations, weak battery management and lack of integrated policies have been identified as the main obstacles to the development of this sector.
Stakeholders believe that sustainable development of this industry is not possible without building charging infrastructure through public-private partnership (PPP) and formulating a long-term policy framework.
These points came up at a seminar titled ‘Usage of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities’ jointly organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) on Saturday in the capital.
DCCI president Taskin Ahmed, in his keynote address, said that the use of electric vehicles is increasing rapidly to reduce carbon emissions and achieve sustainable development worldwide. Although the government has provided various policy support including tax and customs benefits in Bangladesh, more effective initiatives are needed in charging infrastructure, reliable electricity, technical standards and private investment.
He said that although there are currently about 6 million three-wheelers in the country, the number of EV vehicles registered with BRTA is only 669. He called for the rapid formulation of a comprehensive policy for the development of this promising sector.
Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council chairman Mohammad Wahid Hossain said that the expected success of the EV sector cannot be achieved unless uninterrupted power supply is ensured.
At the same time, he emphasized the formation of a central cell in coordination with various government agencies and increasing the use of renewable energy.
Industries Secretary Abdun Nasser Khan said that a draft policy has been prepared for the EV sector. A realistic and up-to-date policy will be finalized soon with the opinions of inter-ministerial and relevant stakeholders. Its main goal will be to reduce dependence on imported fuel and increase the country's energy capacity.
Runner Automobiles PLC chairman and Bama president Hafizur Rahman Khan said that the EV industry has created opportunities to create new jobs and increase the country's exports by many times through the production and export of components.
Bangladesh Power Development Board chief engineer Md Mofizul Islam said that due to lack of registration, the government does not have information about the actual number of battery-powered vehicles and electricity consumption. Electricity is also being wasted due to low-quality batteries.
BSREA president Mustafa Al Mahmud said that the transport sector requires about Tk65,000 crore of fuel every year, a large part of which is dependent on imports. Increasing the use of EVs will not only save foreign exchange, but also strengthen energy security.
Idcol vice president Tanvir Ibn Bashar called for the rapid establishment of charging stations, simplification of the import process and provision of long-term credit facilities.
Akij Motors CEO Sheikh Amin Uddin said that the use of this technology needs to be increased further as the fuel cost of EVs is about 30% lower.
