By The demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing in Bangladesh as more people are becoming aware of the environmental and economic benefits of switching from fossil fuel-powered cars. One of the world’s leading EV makers, BYD Auto Co Ltd, is set to launch its Seal model in the domestic market next week, marking a new milestone for the country’s automobile industry.
The BYD Seal is a premium electric sedan that boasts a battery capacity of 82.5 kilowatt hours and a range of 540 kilometres on a single charge. The car can be fully charged in 40 minutes using its fast charging capability, which is compatible with both AC and DC chargers. The car also features a smart cockpit, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless charging pad, and a 360-degree camera system.
The BYD Seal is expected to attract customers who are looking for a luxurious, eco-friendly, and high-performance car. The car’s price will be disclosed at the launch event on March 2 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka. The event will be attended by top officials of BYD and Chowdhury Group, a leading conglomerate of Nepal that has partnered with Runner Group, a local company that pioneered two-wheeler and three-wheeler manufacturing in Bangladesh, to distribute BYD vehicles in the country.
CG-Runner: A Collaboration to Promote EVs in Bangladesh
CG-Runner Bangladesh is the authorised distributor of BYD in Bangladesh. The company aims to introduce a variety of electric vehicles, including SUVs, buses, trucks, and other models, to cater to different segments of the market. The company is also developing a nationwide charging network with the help of Genex Infrastructure Limited, a local company that provides renewable energy solutions. The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on January 16 to collaborate on building and operating charging stations across the country.
Amid Shakif Khan, director of marketing at Runner Group, said that they were confident that BYD vehicles would be well-received by the Bangladeshi customers. “BYD is a global leader in EV technology and innovation. We are proud to bring their products to Bangladesh and offer our customers a new and better option for mobility,” he said. Khan also informed that the Atto-3, an SUV designed by BYD, would be launched in Bangladesh within the next three months.
Government Policy and Incentives for EVs
The government of Bangladesh has been supportive of the adoption of EVs in the country, as part of its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. The government has reduced the import duty on EVs from 143-350 percent to 90 percent, depending on the engine capacity. The government has also announced plans to phase out traditional fossil fuel-powered cars by 2041 and replace them with EVs.
However, industry insiders have urged the government to provide more incentives and subsidies for EVs, such as tax waivers, low-interest loans, and free parking. They have also called for a clear and consistent policy framework for EV registration, licensing, and charging. They have also suggested that the government should promote local manufacturing and assembly of EVs to create more jobs and reduce the dependency on imports.
Shanat Datta, CFO of Runner Automobiles, said that EVs were the future of transportation and had the potential to transform the country’s economy and environment. “EVs are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and energy-efficient. They can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and foreign exchange. There is an opportunity to speed up our industrial development, diversify exports, and create more jobs by ensuring the research and development of the latest technologies, such as EVs,” he said.