Reza Mahmud :
The government has set an ambitious target to transform 30 percent of vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 3.4 million metric tonnes in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
However, the plan faces significant hurdles.
Despite the environmental and energy efficiency benefits of electric cars, the actual progress towards this target has been minimal, with only 71 electric cars registered between 2021 and 2023.
The introduction of EVs in Bangladesh is supported by various international manufacturers such as Tesla, BMW, BYD, and Audi.
Additionally, local initiatives like the joint venture between Nepal’s Chowdhury Group and Bangladesh’s Runner Group, CG Runner BD Ltd., have been established to boost the local EV market by introducing BYD-manufactured electric vehicles.
However, the transition to electric cars is fraught with administrative challenges.
Experts point out that the process involves multiple government departments—such as the commerce ministry for imports, the finance ministry for tariffs, the roads and highway ministry for registration and operation, the energy ministry for charging stations, and the environment ministry for handling disposable batteries—but there is a lack of coordination among these entities, which stifles progress.
This disarray has made consumers hesitant to purchase EVs and discouraged entrepreneurial ventures in the electric vehicle sector.
Given the slow pace of registrations and the bureaucratic complexities involved, achieving the government’s target by 2030 remains a daunting challenge, experts opined.
Professor Ijaz Hossain, an energy expert, Todo the The New Nation, “There is a critical need for Bangladesh to bolster its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to foster sustainable development in a pollution-free environment.”
He advocated for the widespread establishment of charging stations throughout the country to support this initiative.
Additionally, Professor Shamsul Islam highlighted the importance of nurturing small entrepreneurs in the EV sector.
He said, “ Creating more charging stations would facilitate the smoother operation of EVs across Bangladesh.”
Professor Islam also urged the government to ensure that the business of installing charging stations remains free from partisan influence and syndicates, to foster a fair and competitive environment.
Stakeholders have expressed concerns over the high import tariffs on EVs, which make them significantly more expensive than traditional vehicles.
They have called on the government to reduce these tariffs as a necessary step to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the adoption of cleaner transportation options.
Furthermore, they pointed out that the scarcity of charging facilities remains a major impediment to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in the country.
In January 2024, CG Runner Bangladesh Limited partnered with Genex Infrastructure Limited to significantly expand Bangladesh’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure by setting up a comprehensive charging network across the country.
The plan included installing ten charging stations in Dhaka and along major national highways by March 2024. However, this goal was not fully achieved, and currently, only three charging stations are operational.
Audi Bangladesh pioneered the first EV charging station in 2023 located in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Saiman Mansur, Sales In Charge at CG Runner BD Ltd, told The New Nation that there are two stations located in Jeshore and Panchagarh.
“Despite the initial shortfall, Genex remains committed to establishing over 50 charging stations nationwide, aiming to bolster the EV infrastructure further”, added the official.
Nur Mohammad Mazumder, Chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), highlighted that the government has enacted several forward-thinking policies to support the transition to electric vehicles.
Notably, the Charging Station Installation Policy was introduced in 2020, followed by the Electric Motor Vehicle Registration and Operation Guideline in 2023.
“These initiatives are designed to facilitate 30 percent electric vehicle penetration by 2030, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and efforts to reduce the environmental impact of transportation”, added the official.
