E-MOBILITY: FUEL’S SUCCESSOR

Tamara Rebeira elaborates on how e-mobility can reshape transportation

Smoke billowing buses, rundown train compartments and pothole riddled roads are a common sight in Sri Lanka. Like in many countries around the world, we have been grappling with the challenges posed by an archaic and stagnant transport sector.

The transport sector plays a pivotal role in any economy, facilitating the movement of goods, services and people. The World Bank has affirmed that transportation plays a fundamental role in supporting economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and facilitating access to vital services such as healthcare and education in a country.

However, in many developing countries, these benefits remain unrealised – and Sri Lanka is no exception.

The World Bank determined that developing countries face a dual challenge in transpor­ta­tion: ensuring universal access to efficient, safe and affordable mobility while simultaneously minimising the sector’s environmental impact.

Many factors have contributed to the transport sector’s state of disrepair – among which congestion, air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels are hindering progress and hampering the quality of life of the citizenry.

However, amid these challenges lies an opportunity for Sri Lanka to embrace change and revolutionise its transport sector through the adoption of e-mobility. E-mobility, short for electric mobility, refers to the use of electric power and electric vehicles (EVs) in the transport sector as an alternative to traditional vehicles.

By transitioning to EVs and establishing a robust charging infrastructure, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a sustainable future. It has several environmental benefits – e.g. it is energy efficient, reduces dependency on fossil fuels, has lower operating costs and comes with several tech advancements.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport has unveiled an array of plans for the sector, one of which involves the introduction of conductorless bus services commencing 1 July.

The government believes the transport sector has contributed greatly to the nation’s gross national product (GNP), and says it’s indispensable for the three sectors of production, transportation and consumption.

One cannot help but question its GNP assertion.

A compelling reason to prioritise e-mobility is the pressing need to reduce our carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Sri Lanka’s heavy reliance on oil imports, as exemplified by the recent fuel crisis and power cuts when the forex crisis hit us hard, puts an unnecessary strain on the economy. The possibility of transitioning to renewable energy resources such as solar and wind power strengthens the case for embracing e-mobility.

An additional advantage of EVs is its lower operational cost compared to traditional vehicles. Adopting e-mobility would not only benefit individuals in terms of reduced expenses but also contribute to economic prosperity.

E-mobility holds tremendous potential to generate job opportunities as well.

In line with this, the inclusion of provisions in the 2023 budget proposals to promote the use of electric cars and encourage local assembly was a commendable move. But the success of the implementation of e-mobility hinges on the establishment of a robust charging infrastructure network.

To cater to the diverse needs of EV owners, charging infrastructure should encompass a range of options. While Sri Lanka has more than 150 charging stations, rapid-charging stations should be increased and must be strategically located to facilitate long journeys.

In order to realise this vision, collaborative efforts between the government, private sector and international partners are paramount. To expedite this transition, it is imperative for the government to adopt supportive policies and incentives.

The recent fuel crisis that gripped the nation also highlighted the vulnerability of relying on traditional sources of fuel. As a result, e-bikes emerged as a popular alternative for transportation. This shift in consumer preference emphasised the growing acceptance and demand for e-mobility solutions.

In the meantime, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recognised its potential and is launching a project aimed at mainstreaming e-mobility by converting 500,000 three-wheelers into electric vehicles over a five year period.

These measures highlight the commitment to create a supportive environment for e-mobility growth. Engaging stakeholders is paramount to developing integrated strategies, and ensuring a seamless and sustainable transition.

Embracing e-mobility presents a significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to overcome the challenges faced by a stagnant transport sector. The time for change is now; and e-mobility can power Sri Lanka forward into a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future.