DHS Autos is importing brand new plug-in hybrid electric car Deepal-500 directly from China and marketing it in Bangladesh. Deepal is supplying exclusive brand model to local market.
The importer expects the car with futuristic design, premium interior and smart features to make a huge impact on EV market in Bangladesh. The price has been set at Tk 5200,000.
Managing Director of GHL Shoaib Ahmed said it at a press conference while displaying this electric car at its own showroom in Tejgaon in the capital on Saturday. Changan's South-East Asia Sales Manager Du Kaijian and DHS Autos' officials and employees were present.
According to National Board of Revenue (NBR), 77 completely built electric vehicles (CBU) were imported in the country in fiscal 2023-24 and the number increased to 178 in 2024-25. In the first three months of the current fiscal about 200 electric vehicles were imported.
As per the International Energy Agency (IEA), global sales of electric vehicles in 2024 exceeded 1.70 crore, which is more than 25 percent over the previous year. The car will run for 1234 kilometers with a full charge and full tank of fuel.
He said, EV charging networks have been set up at 22 locations across the country to facilitate the movement of electric vehicles. Buyers will get free home charger installation facility when purchasing a car.
This will make charging the car easy and convenient. Service centers have been launched in Dhaka and Chattogram. There will be three years of free service, 5 years of warranty (subject to conditions), and an 8-year warranty on EV motor and battery.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industries has proposed to reduce customs duties on import of electric vehicles and provide incentives for exports - in the draft policy -
More than 20 percent of the new cars coming to the market in the world are now electric. Its popularity is growing rapidly around the world, but not in the country. Therefore, the Ministry of Industries is preparing a new policy providing various benefits.
A draft policy has been prepared which recommended reducing import duties, registration fees and increase the limit of bank loans for purchase. Car dealers say if the recommendations are implemented, the price of electric vehicles in the country will decrease.
The draft policy outlines reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector, reducing energy dependence and developing a clean transportation system. In addition, a proposal has also been made to reduce customs duties on raw materials and parts of car manufacturing companies.
A 32-member 'Electric Vehicle Industry Development Council' has been set up to supervise the implementation of the policy.
The policy titled 'Development of Electric Vehicle Industry' states that up to 60 percent of the loan will be available from banks for the purchase of new EVs, with a tenor of eight years. In addition, the policy also plans to have 30 percent of the vehicles purchased by government, autonomous, semi-government and corporate organizations by 2030.
The proposals also call for complete waiver of Advance Income Tax (AIT) and reduce the registration fee by 50 percent and tax token and fitness certificate fees until 2030.
