Eco-friendly Mobility

Sasiranga De Silva expounds on the importance of transportation choices in mitigating climate change

Accounting for over a fifth of global carbon dioxide emissions, transportation is one of the largest contributors to individual carbon footprints and this calls for people to rethink their transport choices.

“As the world works to mitigate the impact of climate change, people need to identify and potentially reduce their daily carbon footprints – transportation is one way to do so,” says ThermalR Industries Founder and CEO Sasiranga De Silva.

He elaborates: “Transportation modes that use crude oil are major carbon emitters and as such, Sri Lanka has begun progressing towards using electric vehicles (EVs).”

Walking, biking or running are the lowest carbon emitting means of moving from one place to another. Carpooling can also reduce emissions as can switching to EVs or public transport.

De Silva believes the mindset of the people plays a vital role in the choice of transportation. “Sri Lankans need to play their part in subduing global warming and climate change as shifting to eco-transport modes – notably EVs – could drastically influence emissions,” he asserts.

Today, fuel free mobility technology is the prominent eco-transport solution to global warming. Discussing Sri Lanka’s adoption of green transportation, De Silva notes: “Last year’s energy crisis hyped the use of eco-transport – particularly bicycles and electric motorcycles – increasing the country’s adoption rate to higher than ever before.”

“Apart from being a non-gas contributor to Earth’s greenhouse effect, fuel free electric mobility offers economic opportunities including foreign investments by EV brands, and forex savings on fossil fuel purchases and vehicle spare parts such as lubricants since they require fewer spare parts,” he maintains.

Moreover, EVs have long-term benefits. Compared to conventional vehicles, they are more efficient, converting about 80 percent of input into power. As De Silva explains, “shifting to EVs would save 50 percent or more of the money spent on fuel. Therefore, people will not only reduce environmental impacts but also save money for themselves and the country.”

Government incentives are essential to promoting EV use in Sri Lanka. Incentives such as lower initial costs, registration discounts, reducing electricity costs and expanding charging facilities will greatly benefit the shift to electric vehicles.

De Silva emphasises: “The government is very supportive of sustainable mobility and energy initiatives, and charging infrastructure will be rapidly developed throughout Sri Lanka.”

“People should not be afraid to adopt eco-transport especially when it’s vastly advantageous,” he concludes.