The recent budget announcement includes significant tax reductions for electric vehicles (EVs), sparking discussions on the status of battery-operated three-wheelers. These vehicles, known as easy bikes, e-bikes, or auto-rickshaws in Bangladesh, have revolutionized transportation from congested urban streets to remote rural areas, providing affordable mobility and livelihood opportunities. However, the reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels poses a challenge in a country seeking cleaner and more cost-effective energy solutions.
Reports suggest that over 6 million battery-run three-wheelers are currently in operation nationwide, facing issues such as structural instability, inadequate braking and suspension systems, unregulated operations, and unsafe charging practices. The vehicles predominantly utilize outdated lead-acid batteries with inefficient chargers, leading to electricity wastage and excessive heat generation. Despite the availability of lighter and more efficient lithium-ion batteries, their adoption remains limited due to higher initial costs and lack of policy support.
Charging these vehicles strains the national grid, with many drawing electricity through unauthorized connections. If each vehicle consumes an average of four to six units daily, the collective demand from 6 million vehicles could surpass 35 million units per day. To address this, transitioning to solar power presents a viable solution.
Integrating solar panels on the rooftops of three-wheelers, linked to charge controllers for daytime battery recharging, could significantly reduce grid electricity consumption. Similar to the impact of rooftop solar panels in households, this approach could cut grid electricity usage by 20 to 60 percent. Exploring solar-powered charging stations with net metering arrangements could further alleviate pressure on the national grid while advancing renewable energy integration.
Drawing inspiration from Cuba’s successful deployment of electric three-wheelers, Bangladesh could emulate a phased modernization and solarization approach for its existing fleet. Collaborative efforts between the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) and Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) could introduce pilot projects focusing on solarization, enhanced charging systems, and vehicle regularization. These initiatives could not only enhance the efficiency and safety of three-wheelers but also serve as models for energy transition and decentralized mobility.
While the recent budget speech highlighted plans for solar-powered and electric vehicles, there is immense potential in kickstarting Bangladesh’s clean transport transition with the widespread adoption of solar-powered three-wheelers. By modernizing and solarizing this extensive transport network, the country can reduce reliance on fossil fuels, alleviate electricity shortages, and bring renewable energy closer to everyday transportation.
Mohammad Alauddin, former rector of Bangladesh Power Management Institute, shared these views as an advocate for sustainable energy solutions.
