Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh, but it is known to others as one of the most densely populated cities in the world. This city, with more than 21 million people, is continuously facing various obstacles. These include air pollution, traffic congestion, and the lack of reliability in the public transportation system. In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have been considered an implicit solution to these problems. These vehicles are considered a cleaner and more effective alternative to conventional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The usage of electric-powered vehicles in Dhaka is still in its initial phases. The number of electric vehicles on the street is still very low. There are a few privately owned Tesla cars, but until now, electric vehicles have not been included as a category to be registered under the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Still, Audi Bangladesh has launched its e-tron electric SUV and has become the first Bangladeshi automotive brand to officially unveil a Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV). At the same time, they have taken the official recognition of BRTA in the EV category as the first marketer.
It is an indication of a positive change in the attitude of the regulators towards EVs. However, is Dhaka ready to embrace this type of vehicle?
One of the biggest benefits of EVs is their low emissions. Electric motors in EVs do not produce any carbon emissions, which is an attractive option for a city like Dhaka that suffers from air pollution.
According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution in Dhaka city is the cause of death for 12,000 people every year. As a result, it has become a serious problem for public health. If we move towards EVs, air pollution in Dhaka city will decrease significantly, and the health of its dwellers will improve.
Effectiveness is another positive side of EVs. Electric motors are more effective than internal combustion engines, meaning that EVs can go farther using the same amount of energy. As a result, this type of car is suitable for Dhaka’s congested roads, where most of the time, vehicles move very slowly, and gasoline-powered vehicles at this time burn a lot of fuel.
Moreover, EVs will become fully charged overnight. That means they can start their journey to their destination without stopping at any gas stations in the morning.
However, to become a reliable vehicle for Dhaka dwellers, EVs will have to overcome several obstacles. In that regard, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure with charging facilities.
At present, there is no public charging station in Dhaka city, which has made it difficult for EV owners to charge their vehicles. According to the information received in December 2020, there are only 14 EV charging stations with a joint capacity of 278 kW across the country.
Fast charging through direct current commercially is not yet readily available in Bangladesh. A very small number of vehicles that are currently in operation are being charged this way with the residential charging arrangements.
For charging EVs at houses, it is possible to increase the number of high-voltage electrical lines. However, after the launch of the line, the users are paying a high price. Moreover, EV users would have to pay the bill at the rate of commercial establishments, which is much higher than that of residential buildings.
Another impediment is the high price of EVs. At this time, EVs are more expensive than conventional fuel-powered vehicles, putting them out of reach for many people in Dhaka. This is partly because of the high price of batteries, which make up a large part of the cost of EVs. However, as battery technology advances and the economic target is met, the financial cost of EVS is expected to fall.
Despite these drawbacks, in Dhaka city, the authority is taking several steps that will serve as a promotion to increase the use of EVs. For example, in recent times, the Bangladesh government has formulated a new automobile policy that aims to include more eco-friendly vehicles in the transport system. The government has set a target of at least 15% of registered vehicles being electric by 2030.
In the draft of the Automobile Industry Development Policy-2020, it has been said that a tax holiday has been recommended for investments made in the production of energy-efficient vehicles (EEVs).
Walton, one of the country’s marketers, has recently unveiled its e-bike lineup and is likely working on introducing an electric city bus.
Apart from Walton, several other organizations in the country are preparing to introduce locally manufactured two-wheeler EVs to the Bangladeshi market.
Indian automaker Omega Seiki has recently announced an investment of one billion rupees for the convenience of marketing electric vehicles in Bangladesh. Local auto manufacturer BD Auto is planning to manufacture three-wheelers for the domestic and international markets.
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