Transition from ICE vehicles to EVs

At a time when automobiles emit roughly 3.5 to 3.8 billion metric tons of CO2 globally, the urgency of transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is quite evident. The emission accounts for nearly 10 per cent of all energy-related exhaust fumes and 7.0 per cent of greenhouse gas (GHG). In Bangladesh, there are no precise data on CO2 emissions from automobiles but the indication is that the transport sector is responsible for release of 13-15 per cent of this energy-related gas. Clearly, Bangladesh's is a worst case scenario. While preparation is afoot worldwide to transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs, Bangladesh is lagging far behind.

A seminar titled "The Electric Vehicle: Challenges and Prospects in Bangladesh" held in the city, as reported in this newspaper, displays a growing awareness about such a transition among policymakers and business leaders. Deliberations at the seminar diagnosed the deficiency of infrastructural facilities and a lack of appropriate policies to drive up a comprehensive programme for a fast-track transition. A country that mostly depends on import of reconditioned cars and other vehicles for meeting its transportation need seems to have been caught off-guard by the rapid technological shift in the automobile sector. However, it could be used as a blessing in disguise. Since Bangladesh has not invested heavily in developing its automobile industry, it can take advantage of the updated electric technology now in vogue.

To reap the benefit of the latest technology in the transport sector, the first and foremost requirement is to formulate a pragmatic and forward-looking policy on EV. Happily, a draft policy has already been readied for review by different ministries concerned and the stakeholders. In this task, the experiences of countries known for their wide adoption of EVs can be studied before finalising the policy documents. Although northern European countries are far ahead in transitioning to EVs with Norway achieving the feat of 97-99 per cent sale of this type of cars, in absolute number of such vehicles China has no match. China is, moreover, credited with manufacturing 71 per cent of the world's EVs and more than 50 per cent sale. What is most important is that Chinese EVs are cheaper than combustion engine cars.

This is exactly where Bangladesh can learn from. If the country can locally manufacture EVs in collaboration with China saving costs, it will make economic sense. If the bilateral agreements signed between the two countries during Bangladesh prime minister's visit to that country included such collaboration in this respect, it would have expedited the process. Bangladesh has to make a choice between import of EVs or assembling the same or manufacturing those in collaboration with a country like China. So far as development of a network of charging stations is concerned, there is the prerequisite for unhindered supply of electricity. Import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and other fossil fuels is hardly inspiring. Addressing the crisis of environmental pollution from automobile emission is tied to the energy crunch. This has to be overcome by generating power from renewable sources. The policymakers have to think long and hard before devising a strategy for meeting both these challenges.