In Gelephu, electric vehicle taxi drivers are facing serious challenges after the town’s only DC fast charging station broke down more than a month ago. Located along the Gelephu–Sarpang highway near the Army Welfare Project, the charging station has been out of service since early May, leaving nearly 50 EV taxi drivers struggling to earn a living.
Gelephu’s only EV charging station, constructed in 2023, can charge two vehicles at a time, one via a fast charger and the other through a slower AC outlet. To support the growing number of EVs, the station also includes additional plug points. But with the DC fast charger out of order, operations have been severely impacted.
The fast charger, which normally takes just an hour to fully charge a taxi, has been essential for drivers’ daily operations. In its absence, drivers have been forced to rely on slower home or AC charging, which takes up to 10 hours.
“It takes 10 hours to charge using a home charger. By the time we finish charging, we only have a few hours left in the day to work. We earn just Nu 100 or 200, barely enough to pay loans, rent, or feed our families,” said Phurpa Wangchuk, an EV taxi driver.
“We are humble citizens who rely on taxi services to earn a living. It would be a great help if the fast charging machine could be restored as soon as possible. If possible, having additional charging stations in Gelephu would make things even better for us,” said Pem Tshewang, another EV taxi driver.
Some drivers, like Pemba, have been hit even harder.
Pemba said, “My vehicle has been grounded since the fast charger broke down. It can’t be charged using the slow charger. I’ve been checking daily for repairs, but nothing has been done. I’m falling behind on my loan repayments.”
Gelephu had only 12 EV taxis in 2023. Today, that number has grown to about 50, further straining the limited charging infrastructure. Adding to their woes, drivers say the charging station lacks basic facilities, like a washroom.
Phurpa Wangchuk said, “A washroom is essential at the charging station. We wait 8 to 9 hours here, and the nearest toilet is too far. Many drivers use open spaces, which is unhygienic and increases the risk of diseases like malaria and dengue.”
The Bhutan Power Corporation Limited, which manages the EV charging station, says the delay in repairs is due to faults in the machine’s motherboard and relay. They have already ordered the necessary spare parts from abroad and assured that repairs will begin as soon as the parts arrive.
Meanwhile, there’s hope on the horizon.
During the ongoing parliament session last week, the Minister for Energy and Natural Resources announced that the government plans to install more charging stations across the country. The goal is to have one EV charging station for every 15 vehicles by 2030, part of Bhutan’s broader strategy to expand EV infrastructure, cut carbon emissions, and promote clean, sustainable transportation. Until then, Gelephu’s EV taxi drivers can only wait and hope for a quick fix to keep their livelihoods running.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Phub Gyem
