
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Challenges, opportunities of EV market
Thursday, 3 July 2025
Bangladesh is witnessing a gradual but significant shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by the global push for clean energy, rising fuel costs, and the country's own need to reduce air pollution. While still in its early stages, the EV market in Bangladesh presents both challenges and opportunities that will shape the nation's transportation. In recent years, Bangladesh has seen a steady increase in the use of electric vehicles, particularly three-wheelers like easy bikes and electric rickshaws. These vehicles offer an affordable mode of transport for millions, especially in semi-urban and rural areas. With over one million electric three-wheelers already in use, the sector shows potential for broader electrification, including private cars, buses, and delivery vehicles. The government has also signaled support for EV adoption. In 2021, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) began drafting policies to regulate and promote electric vehicles. Several private companies have entered the market, offering imported EVs, while discussions are underway about developing local manufacturing capabilities.
The rise of EVs offers clear economic and environmental benefits. First, EVs can help reduce Bangladesh's dependence on imported fossil fuels, easing the burden on foreign currency reserves. With global oil prices volatile, transitioning to electric transport is a strategic move.
Second, electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, helping combat air pollution-a major health issue in cities like Dhaka and Chattogram. Cleaner air can reduce respiratory diseases and healthcare costs.
Third, EV production and maintenance can create new jobs. If local assembly plants are established, it could stimulate the automotive sector and create opportunities for engineers, technicians, and service providers.
Despite these opportunities, several challenges could slow EV growth in Bangladesh. The most pressing is the lack of charging infrastructure. While electric three-wheelers rely on simple home charging setups, scaling up to electric cars, buses, and trucks will require public fast-charging stations-currently almost nonexistent. The country's weak power grid also poses a problem. Frequent load-shedding and limited grid capacity make reliable EV charging difficult, especially outside major cities. Cost is another barrier. Electric cars remain expensive for the average Bangladeshi consumer, and import taxes further raise prices. Without targeted tax incentives or subsidies, mass EV adoption is unlikely. There are also regulatory gaps. Many electric rickshaws operate without proper registration or road safety checks, raising concerns about safety and traffic management.
Jarin Akther
Student
North South University
jarin.akther@northsouth.edu