Electric Vehicles in Bangladesh

A silent revolution has taking place in the transport sector in Bangladesh. The introduction of electric vehicles, the battery run three-wheelers in the past few years brought about a sort of transport revolution throughout the country. These battery run electric tricycles are now extensively used for short distance travelling in Bangladesh. Locally these are called easy bikes.

These vehicles can carry about five passengers including the driver, these look somewhat like the traditional auto rickshaw but larger in size. Earlier these were imported from China, now these are produced locally, these vehicle costs about one hundred and twenty thousand takas which is less than two thousand US dollars and run the whole day, charging of the batteries are done at night.

It is believed that thousands of such vehicles now ply throughout the country, mainly through the towns and in the suburban areas. Some estimate the figures at a million. However, there is no proper statistics available, as these vehicles are not registered with the governmental transport department . In Dhaka city this vehicle is not allowed in the main roads, but do ply in the small streets, lanes and by lanes, commuting passengers.

This was not a government initiative nor was this welcomed by the government. The enthusiastic business community of the transport sector promoted this transport system throughout the country. The government does not encourage such vehicles as charging batteries of these vehicles throughout the country had put extra pressure in the total power generation and the government is finding it difficult to coup up with the need of extra power generation, causing energy crisis.

However, the environmental impact has not been taken into consideration. Surely this mode of transport is environmental friendly, no fumes, no sound pollution, creating less carbon foot prints, which is required only for the power generation at the power stations.

This has brought about a sort of silent revolution in the transport sector, it  has become popular for the fare being comparatively cheaper than other mode of road commuting, The common peoples' necessity.

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