Delay in the operation of an Electric Vehicle charging station is causing inconveniences to EV taxi drivers in Gelephu. EV taxi drivers say work is not progressing as they expected. And this has been affecting their business.
The construction and installation of an EV charging station along the Gelephu- Sarpang highway in Gelephu Thromde came as a relief for the drivers. It was started in June last year and completed a few months ago. However, the delay in the operation has challenged EV taxi drivers to repay their loans on time. Most of them have resorted to charging at home.
“It’s very inconvenient and difficult to cater services with the delay in the operation of the charging station. God forbid if there’s an emergency then it will be challenging. We have been helping other fellow EV drivers from Thimphu and elsewhere by letting them charge their vehicles at our homes,” said Guru Tshering, EV Taxi driver.
“Charging at home is not at all convenient. It takes nearly 18 hours to charge. And because of this even if we have to get customers, we are not able to cater our service,” said Tshering, one of the EV Taxi drivers.
“We have a huge loan to pay. Without access to the charging station, it is difficult. If the operation of the charging station is started soon then it will not only be convenient but we can also repay our loans on time,” said Sangay Dorji, another EV Taxi driver.
“EV taxi drivers coming from places such as Zhemgang, Bumthang, Trongsa and Thimphu are having a difficult time with the delay in the operation of the charging station in Gelephu. We would like to request the government to do something for the immediate operation of the charging station that has been already installed,” said Neykor, Taxi Tshogpa of Gelephu.
According to the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority officials, they could not start the operation of the charging station due to earthing issues. They said that they have applied for a power line supply to the Bhutan Power Corporation and are expecting to start the operation this week.
Sarpang currently has 12 EV taxis.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
Edited by Sonam Pem
