All Countries Are Moving Towards E-Vehicles, Why Aren’t We?

The past few decades has seen a rapidly advancing technological landscape, and automobiles are no exception. Major vehicle manufacturing companies are now preferring to introduce electric or battery powered vehicles instead of fossil fuel-powered vehicles. The market for these vehicles is expanding rapidly.

Countries are also giving priority to promoting environmentally friendly electric vehicles or e-vehicles. Special tax rates and duties have been imposed on such vehicles as reducing fuel consumption is also an environmental benefit.

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Neighbouring countries like India have also given high priority to promote e-vehicles through major schemes. Some cities have already converted three-wheelers (rickshaws) to e-vehicles. In some cities, the use of petrol-powered three wheelers are prohibited.

Challenges of Owning E-Vehicles in the Maldives

The Maldives has also made special rules to promote e-vehicles. The duty on e-vehicles has been waived. However, there is still much work to be done. Although concessions have been given to import environmentally friendly vehicles, there are still many difficulties in owning such vehicles. One of the main drawbacks is the lack of vehicle charging stations. Therefore, few people own such vehicles. 

The incumbent government has also tried to build special charging stations for e-vehicles in the Greater Male’ Region. However, the project has not come into fruition. 

The newy-elected government’s manifesto also sets out to promote e-vehicles. The President-elect, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s promised to introduce an e-bike system, assisting and investing in the import of battery bicycles and e-vehicles (cars and other four-wheelers).

“Once we reduce fossil fuel burning and reduce these emissions into our atmosphere, our atmosphere will be cleaner, we will have a cleaner environment… So this city, as well as Male’ City, and all cities will be given priority to invest in battery and electric-powered vehicles by our government,” Muizzu said during a presidential election campaign event held at HDh. Kulhudhuffushi.

Much Needs to be Done to Popularise E-Vehicles

Although e-vehicles are not that popular in the Maldives, we still see a few number of them in the country. Earlier, a large number of battery-powered motorcycles were also imported and sold in the Maldives. And it still sells. However, they are not so popular due to the lack of charging stations.

The developing countries of the world are also heading towards e-vehicles. And modern cars are now changing to be environmentally friendly. So this is the direction the Maldives is predicted to go as well. 

Newly-introduced such vehicles are brought to the Maldivian market as soon as they are out as well. Such e-cars are already in use in the Maldives. However, in terms of price, it is still not an affordable choice for the general public. The lack of charging points for such vehicles makes it more challenging and expensive.

Urbanco has already introduced e-scooters to promote environment-friendly practices. They are already stationed in some parks and areas in Hulhumale’. However, more efforts are needed to popularise the use of such vehicles. This should be made easily accessible to many people.

“Having these vehicles in places where people frequent will ensure people use them often. For example, near Hiyaa area in Phase II. And the market or beach areas where people frequent… We need to increase the number of stands to park these vehicles. Then you can reduce the hassle of taking a motorcycle or a taxi,” a member of the public suggested.

The Maldives has a fragile environment. Reducing the burning of fossil fuels should be a priority, so special measures should be taken to promote e-vehicles. Legal changes are needed. One of the most prioritised changes in some countries is to stipulate that only e-vehicles can be used in taxi public transport. Some cities in neighboring India have already made the change.

The Maldives, too, should follow this path. Taxis should be encouraged to convert to e-vehicles. A safe environment and system should be established for such vehicles before legal changes are introduced. Transforming to such a system should be made affordable through incentivisation. The new government’s manifesto is expected to reflect this change.