The Thunder Motors’ Chief Executive Officer, Tashi Wangchuk says while there is nothing wrong with the electric vehicles technically, it is the political aspect that has been limiting. The two local dealers of electric cars have had poor business, this year. Thunder Motors sold only 12 electric cars and the Singye Agencies fared even worse and sold none.
Tashi Wangchuk says they have been suffering because of the political rift between the government and opposition on electric cars.
The issue of electric cars has gone through much of scrutiny. National Assembly had taken up the issue after an appeal letter was put up by a group of taxi drivers saying the vehicles were falling short of guarantee.
Anti-Corruption Commission had also taken up investigation after the Opposition said the government violated the Constitution by giving undue favour to the two local motor vehicle dealers.
Tashi Wangchuk also blames local media’s negative coverage on electric cars as contributing factor for poor business.
“We are hoping there will be more support from the government in installing quick chargers. It is essential infrastructure which is needed throughout the country.” The CEO also said the government of India provides lot of subsidy for fuel and likewise they also need a kind of subsidy for electric vehicles.
Bhutan Power Corporation was one of the few buyers of electric cars. BPC’s media spokesperson said the impact is quite visible as BPC spent only little less than Nu 6, 47,000 for pool vehicles as of October, this year.
She said it is a drastic drop compared to 2013 expenditure of more than a million ngultrum for pool vehicles.
Bhutan Broadcasting Service, before buying electric cars, spent over Nu 1.3 M on fuel for the pool vehicles in 2013. But this year, the organization is expected to spend approximately Nu 9, 34,000.
Yeshey Tshering, who drives an electric cab, said he spent Nu 500 on fuel every day earlier when he drove conventional car. “Now I spent about Nu 2000 a month.” He said it is not clear how much they will be charged after quick charger has been installed.
On the other hand, there are others who say electric cars are expensive with less battery life, poor mileage and needed better network for charging stations.
Today, only about 60 electric cars ply the roads of the country.
