The Small Three-Wheeler Electric Vehicle Solutions in Bangladesh: Survey, Progress and Documentation

The ongoing dramatic growth in electric vehicles (EV) worldwide has been accompanied by a parallel growth in small 3-wheeler EVs in Bangladesh. The estimated one million local small electric vehicles means there is about one electric vehicle for every 170 residents of the country. A survey was conducted of the local EV industry, trying to find the status, patterns and trends in the growth. A wide range of vehicles of 2, 4, 6, and 8 seats were seen. An EV in the US can be 20-40 kW with speeds of 120 km/h, whereas a local 3 kW three-wheeler can carry up to 8 passengers at up to 35 km/h. Unlike the US, where Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) means an additional IC engine, in the local context, HEV means the option to be pedal-powered or solar powered. The two-seater electric rickshaw has option to be pedal driven. Amazingly, solar power supplemented EVs are being used for 8-seaters, showing the great advances made by the local industry. These EVs have grown without central organizational support or official recognition. Rather they are solutions by low-income entrepreneur manufacturers in response to the special needs of the local market. The EVs are known by different names across the country. The terms Tom Tom and Easy bike were used interchangeably for various vehicles. We found it best to classify local EVs according to their number of seats. and their power. Low power EVs may be pedal driven and high power EVs cannot be pedal driven. The trends in the growth of EVs have been surveyed and documented here for better recognition, regulation and generally for promoting them for the betterment of society.