Switching over to electric engines from the present fuel-driven ones, we believe will largely reduce carbon emission in the country. Carbon emission is the main cause of global warming leading to hazardous climate change in the world. It is therefore welcome news that to reduce dependency on fossil fuel and protect the environment, the government is formulating a fresh policy for promotion of vehicles that will be driven by electricity.
It is worth mentioning that the US government has already introduced electric vehicles in order to reduce pressure on fuel. Besides, European and other developed countries are also planning to introduce electric vehicles as these are cost effective. In the last decade, electric vehicles have made significant progress. Indian government has already allowed production, marketing and registration of electric vehicles on their roads. India also plans to introduce 25-30 percent electric cars by 2030. The reservoir of natural gas is coming down sharply.
In this regard Bangladesh’s Power Division has already started working on using electricity to power different kinds of motor vehicles. The Division can supply 4,000 MW for the vehicles.
The ministry has moved to prepare
the policies aimed at encouraging
electric vehicles in the country
Reports tell us that the present government is conducting a feasibility study on developing clean and efficient vehicle polices for Bangladesh in consonance with UN Environment and Clean Air Asia. It would be implemented under the project titled ‘ The Clean and Efficiency Vehicle’ taken up by the Roads Transport and Bridge ministry, a senior official of Power Division told Bangladesh Post.
The ministry has moved to prepare the policies aimed at encouraging electric vehicles in the country. According to a comparison based on studies by the Department of Energy, USA, and the Idaho National Lab, USA, per kilometre fuel cost by gasoline/petrol-fired car is Tk 8.00 as against Tk 6.00 of a diesel-driven car.
On the other hand, the fuel cost of CNG- and electric-run cars was Tk 3.30 and Tk 1.5 per kilometre respectively. As per the government plans, we are prepared to provide electricity for powering vehicles. Now, we have sufficient electricity. Electricity generation has been increasing by 10-12 per cent every year in the country.
This may be recalled that 400-500MW electricity has been used in easy bike vehicles across the country. Expert tell us that if vehicles run on electricity, 50 per cent cost would be reduced.
