The electric vehicle charging station in Zhemgang town will become operational from next month. This is according to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority’s office in the district. The facility has not been functioning after it was built around six months ago. Electric vehicle owners want it to be put to use immediately.
At first sight, everything looks okay with the charging station. The location looks convenient and the charging points looks like they are ready to use. However, there is more to it than meets the eye.
The station was supposed to be ready by March this year. Because of poor work quality and slow progress, the project’s contract has been terminated.
Currently, electric vehicle drivers who visit Zhemgang have to charge their cars in private homes.
“It looks like the charging station is functional, however, it has been about a year that it has remained non-operational. Electric vehicle owners coming from other districts are charging their cars from private homes and hotels, which is very inconvenient for them,” said Sangay Khando, a resident.
“Charging batteries at home is not an appropriate way and requires long cables which is inconvenient. When we go to Thimphu, we have to charge our cars on the way at Trongsa and Wangdue Phodrang as the battery doesn’t last much when charged at home. We came here twice and, on both occasions, we had to charge the car at home,” said Minjurla, another resident.
According to an official from Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority, the installation of equipment has been completed. The remaining rectification works will be carried out soon.
More than Nu 2 million has been allocated for the installation of the station.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Kipchu
