It may not be long before Bhutanese-made electric vehicles can hit the road. If everything goes as planned, Jigme Namgyel Engineering College in Samdrup Jongkhar will roll out a diploma course in electric vehicle technology from next year. The college has converted an off-road diesel pickup into an electric vehicle, running entirely on clean energy in the run-up to the implementation of the course.
The diesel-powered pickup has been transformed into an electric vehicle using a 20-kilowatt motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery.
The vehicle can travel up to 70 kilometres on a single charge, making it suitable for short-distance travel without the need for fuel.
To support the vehicle, a five-kilowatt solar charging station has been installed along with a seven-kilowatt EV charger. This allows the vehicle to be fully charged in about five hours.
The project, developed by the Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Electronics departments with a budget of about Nu 1.5 M, was initiated as part of preparations for the upcoming electric vehicle technology diploma course.
“The project aims to promote sustainable transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while also showcasing Jigme Namgyel Engineering College’s capacity to develop such solutions,” said Karma Tshechu, Sr. Instructor, Mechanical Department, JNEC, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“The electric vehicle is charged using solar energy. When no vehicle is being charged, the generated power is diverted to classrooms and labs. During the lean season, when hydropower generation is low, the system also provides electricity and supports EV charging,” said Thinley Tobgay, Lecturer, Department of Electrical and Electronics, JNEC, Samdrup Jongkhar.
Currently, the vehicle is being used within the college campus. However, the college is planning to seek approval from the Bhutan Construction and Transport Authority to operate it beyond the campus.
The project will also help students to gain hands-on experience in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
“This project serves as a practical platform for both learning and teaching, where hundreds of students will benefit each year through experiments and projects. It will help connect textbook knowledge to the real world,” said Jaluka Dhungana, student, JNEC, Samdrup Jongkhar.
“We, the students, will be able to relate theoretical concepts to practical experiments. If it works well in our college, we hope to implement it at a commercial level without relying on other companies to install it,” said Nima Tshering, student, JNEC, Samdrup Jongkhar.
The project demonstrates how local innovation can reduce dependence on imported fuel and promote sustainable transport at a time when fuel prices continue to rise.
If successful, the initiative could also mark a step forward in building local expertise and nurturing a new generation of engineers to support EV development and maintenance in Bhutan.
Kinley Wangchuk, Samdrup Jongkhar
Edited by Phub Gyem
