After publishing the electric motor vehicle registration and operation policy early this year, the government now moves to formulate a comprehensive policy for setting the ground for EVs - aiming at those to replace the country's 30 per cent of gas and fuel-powered traffic by 2030.
The comprehensive policy, initiated by the Economic Relations Division, encompasses simultaneous development of all EV-related sectors, such as charging stations, replacement of old buses, improved battery technology and the local industry, according to officials.
They said the comprehensive policy on EV mobility will place more focus on all related governance issues involving all concerned parties.
It will also identify the roles of stakeholders such as power, energy and mineral resources, renewable energy and industry for smooth and safe mobility, they added.
The comprehensive policy formulation move is an addition to the EV policy recently prepared by the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry to guide the process of registration and standardisation of this new type of transport.
According to data from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority, some 34 EVs were registered in the country till August this year, including models from the world-famous brands Tesla and Porsche.
However, these sedan cars were imported through personal initiatives and managed by the owners themselves.
Sources said the Economic Relations Division (ERD) has taken the initiative to formulate the policy, which is named the Comprehensive Governance Policy on E-Mobility, after the World Bank (WB) expressed interest in providing technical support for this endeavour.
A delegation from the WB met with the ERD and others earlier this month and a workshop was held to identify the areas of focus and integration needed to formulate the policy.
"EV mobility depends on many other factors including replacement of existing buses, recycling of batteries, improved battery technology and recycling facilities," said an official preferring not to be named.
He, however, said the meetings reached an agreement to undertake a technical project under a lead ministry, which is yet to be selected.
Another source said while the policy will be formulated for overall e-mobility in the country, the initial focus will be on mass rapid transits (MRT), which is the first electronically-operated train in the capital city.
The government aims to replace 30 per cent of the existing vehicles with EVs by 2030.
The gazette notification on electric motor vehicle registration and operation policy 2023 was issued on April 18. However, it aims to encourage the import of EVs for personal and official use.
The EV registration is determined based on the kilowatt rating, with a flat registration fee of Tk 89,000.
The official mentioned that a proposal has also been placed to establish a task force to work as a counterpart for the development partner.
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