EV shift to stay slow without power, policy

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will remain slow unless the country ensures uninterrupted electricity supply, rapidly expands charging infrastructure and adopts a comprehensive national policy backed by stronger public-private collaboration, stakeholders said at a seminar in Dhaka on Saturday.

They noted that although the government has introduced tax and duty incentives and drafted a national EV policy, major challenges would continue to impede the sector's growth.

The challenges include inadequate charging facilities, the lack of reliable data on EV usage, substandard batteries and weak policy coordination.

Stakeholders also emphasised that increasing the share of renewable energy in the power mix and establishing quality standards for EVs and charging stations would be critical to building a sustainable electric mobility ecosystem.

The observations were made at a seminar titled "The Electric Vehicle (EV): Challenges and Prospects in Bangladesh", jointly organised by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the Bangladesh Sustainable and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA).

In his keynote presentation, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed said the global transport sector is undergoing a profound transformation driven by the goals of sustainable development, climate change mitigation and carbon emission reduction, leading to the rapid adoption of electric vehicles worldwide.

He noted that the government has already introduced a range of policy measures, including tax and duty incentives, to support the development of Bangladesh's EV industry.

However, he said further initiatives like expanding charging infrastructure, ensuring reliable electricity supply, developing advanced battery management systems and providing greater incentives to the private sector are needed to accelerate the industry's growth.

Mr Ahmed stressed that public-private partnership (PPP)-based investment would be essential for expanding charging infrastructure, alongside the formulation of a coordinated, long-term policy framework.

He noted that although nearly six million three-wheelers operate across the country, only 669 electric cars have been registered with the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), underscoring the need for a comprehensive national EV policy to unlock the sector's full potential.

Mohammad Wahid Hossain, Chairman (Senior Secretary) of the Bangladesh Energy and Power Research Council (BEPRC), said uninterrupted electricity supply would be the single most important factor in the successful expansion of the EV sector.

He observed that as Bangladesh's economy is largely driven by the private sector, closer collaboration between public and private stakeholders would be vital to achieving the development objectives.

Mr Hossain also proposed establishing a dedicated coordination cell comprising all relevant government agencies involved in EV development to improve policy coordination.

He further highlighted the importance of increasing the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix.

Abdun Naser Khan, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, said a draft EV policy had already undergone inter-ministerial and stakeholder consultations.

He assured participants that a practical and future-ready policy would be finalised after incorporating recommendations from all stakeholders.

During the panel discussion, Shibir Bicitro Barua, Additional Secretary (IIT) at the Ministry of Commerce, said that while official records show only around 700 registered EVs, a significantly larger number are already operating on Bangladesh's roads.

He stressed the importance of obtaining accurate data to support evidence-based policymaking and facilitate the sector's development.

Hafizur Rahman Khan, President of BAAMA and Chairman of Runner Automobiles PLC, said the EV industry had opened new opportunities for employment generation.

He added that strengthening backward linkage industries through the manufacture and export of EV components could significantly enhance Bangladesh's export potential.

Md Aminur Rahman, Director of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), said the agency has approved 32 EV charging stations, of which nine have already been established.

He stressed the need to ensure quality standards for both charging stations and imported electric vehicles.

Dr Md Moksed Ali, ndc, Joint Secretary at the Road Transport and Highways Division, said the government has undertaken several initiatives to promote sustainable transport and is working to reduce the existing duty structure applicable to the EV sector.

Md Mofijul Islam, Chief Engineer of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), said the absence of a proper registration system for battery-operated vehicles means the government lacks accurate data on electricity consumption in the sector.

He also noted that the widespread use of substandard batteries is resulting in significant electricity losses.

Mostafa Al Mahmud, President of BSREA, said Bangladesh spends nearly Tk 650 billion annually on transport fuel, most of which is imported.

He said greater EV adoption could substantially reduce fuel imports and help conserve foreign exchange.

Dr Md Ehsan, Professor at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), observed that Bangladesh has yet to fully assess and utilise its domestic capabilities in the EV sector.

Tanvir Ebne Bashar, Vice-President of IDCOL, called for the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure, simplified import procedures and long-term financing to accelerate EV adoption.

Sk Amin Uddin, Chief Executive Officer of Akij Motors, said electric vehicles reduce fuel costs by around 30 per cent, making them a commercially viable and cost-effective transport solution.

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