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Electric Vehicles as a Sustainable Mode of Transportation - The Sri Lankan

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Presentation · October 2019

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 Climate Change and Disaster Management

(173)

Electric Vehicles as a Sustainable Mode of Transportation-The Sri Lankan Context

Thilakshan T.1*, Sugathapala A.G.T.2, Bandara J.M.S.J.1

1
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Katubedda,
Sri Lanka
2
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa,
Katubedda, Sri Lanka
*[email protected]

Abstract

Environmentally Sustainable Transportation is considered to be one of the main solutions to the

development challenges faced by human societies, as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) and climate change action plans. In particular, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a
sustainable mode of transport and many countries have included the promotion of EVs as a part of
their development agendas to mitigate climate change and resulting pollution. EVs are capable of
providing significant economic and environmental benefits, particularly over their entire useful life
cycle, greater than those of traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. During the last
decade, the Government of Sri Lanka has taken policy and regulatory interventions to promote
cleaner vehicles, with particular emphasis on EVs. Though the market response to hybrid vehicles is
remarkable, the EVs has still failed to have a significant impact indicating presence of challenges.
Accordingly, the present study was implemented with the main focus on understanding the national
EV scenario. A comprehensive literature survey and user perception survey were conducted covering
two-wheelers, three-wheelers and electric light duty vehicles (cars). The questionnaires for the
surveys were designed to get a perspective into the preference, type and frequency of use, battery
charging options, issues and the expectations of current and potential EV users and charging
infrastructure providers. The survey carried among the battery retailers show positive nature in
engaging actively with the EV market requirements in terms of battery charging, recycle process of
batteries and open to new methods being incorporated such as the conversion of the shops into mini
charging and battery swapping centers. The results suggest the high potential of EVs in the context
of sustainable transportation. The important aspects to be considered is to motivate potential buyers
to EVs and support the present users in the long-term policy decisions without annual restrictions
directly or indirectly in terms of any financial impediments while establishing adequate supply chain
infrastructure including adequate charging stations, battery facilities and availability of EV parts.
Analysis mainly constitutes of using graphical representations and logical comparisons to evaluate
the national scenario. The study highlights the importanceof inclusion of EVs in the current vehicle
fleet for considerable level of positive change in the environmental perspective. The impact on the
demand for petroleum and the level of burden thus created on the national economy further elaborate
the need for the EVs to replace ICE vehicles asa highly preferred alternative vehicle to potential
buyers.

Keywords: Electric vehicles, Charging infrastructure, Environmental impacts, Sustainable

transportation

Proceedings of the 24th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2019 of the Department of Forestry and
Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka

138
 Electric Vehicles as a T. Thilakshan
Sustainable Mode of A.G.T. Sugathapala
J.M.S.J. Bandara
Transportation - University of Moratuwa
The Sri Lankan Context

The 24th International Forestry and Environment Symposium 2019

Negombo, Sri Lanka
11th and 12th October 2019
 First Global Sustainable Transport The main concern and outcome of
Conference the conference was
was convened by the then UN Secretary- the adverse environmental
General Ban Ki-moon in Ashgabat, impacts of transportation
Turkmenistan from the 26th to 27th along with the annual deaths from
November 2016 road traffic accidents
Global Climate Risk Index 2019

The countries and territories affected

most in 2017 were Puerto Rico, Sri
Lanka as well as Dominica.
Transportation (14% as of 2010) (21-2% as of
2014 data) Greenhouse gas emissions from this
sector primarily involve fossil fuels burned for
road, rail, air, and marine transportation. Almost
all (95%) of the world's transportation energy
comes from petroleum-based fuels, largely
gasoline and diesel (ITCC, 2014)
 Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions by the Transportation Sector
Source: International Energy Association. IEA and IPCC (2014) Summary for
Policymakers

SRI LANKA
Where are we in this
Asia and the Pacific's motorized transport emissions have become a significant global arena and crisis in
contributor to the global problem of greenhouse gas emissions that lead to regards to the
climate change (ADB). How can the region avoid a bleak future of congested discussion?
roads, pollution, ill health, and economic damage?
 The Colombo city
experiences less air
pollution, since it has
continuous air circulation
with sea wind.
Colombo is in a flat ground
and the pollutants that
contaminate the air goes up
without remaining in the
city.
KANDY
The next Delhi???
The Geography in the Kandy
town has resulted in the high rate of
air pollution, even though a greater
number of vehicles and industries
exist in Colombo. Kandy is
surrounded mainly by Hantana
Hunnasgiriya mountain ranges, and
Bahirawa, Kurusa and Dharmaraja
mountains.
The total expenditure for petroleum imports
was about 6% of GDP. About 70% of the
petroleum is consumed by the transport
sector, where the main fuel is diesel (SLSEA)

The high expenditure for the importation of

petroleum has become a major factor
affecting adversely the economy of the
country, thus improvement of energy
efficiency/fuel economy in the transport
sector has become a national priority
Cumulative Vehicle Registration

ELECTRIC
VEHICLES!!!
STATE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN THE NATIONAL CONTEXT
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION

THE REALITY OF THE

NATIONAL SCENARIO

EXPECTATION IN THE
GLOBAL SCENARIO!

THE CONVERSION OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE AS A POTENTIAL

CANDIDATE IN PLACE OF A CONVENTIONAL ICE VEHICLE

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
•Except one, all 49 participants were owners of the
respective electric cars.
Annual Report 2018, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
 ABSENCE OF THE PROVIDED CONCESSIONS AND
SUPPORT POST 2015 LED TO THE DOWNFALL OF
ELECTRIC VEHICLES BUT IS AGAIN GAINING
MOMENTUM WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE
PRIVATE SECTOR
Sunday times, (24 June 2018)

The government drastically reduced import duty on Both government policy documents being
electric and hybrid vehicles (2014 scenario). This was formulated, the National Action Plan for
widely hailed as a step in the right direction because
hybrid vehicles use less fuel and are more
Haritha (Green) Lanka Programme and
environmentally friendly. In 2014 alone, 19,557 hybrid Enhancing the Quality of Fossil Fuels for
cars and 90 electric cars have been imported, which Managing Air Quality in Sri Lanka, the
represents 60% of the total number of cars registered promotion of electric and hybrid vehicles are
recommended
 Even 100% electric vehicles are not a
With our EV fleets growing in size, we can expect a significant zero-carbon solution. They may not
impact on the power demand. produce the usual exhaust pipe
It is important to understand potential challenges that can affect
emissions, but even if all of our
EV adoption. For instance, what happens during peak charging
electricity was from renewable
times?
sources, there would still be an
BURDEN ON NATIONAL GRID??? DEPENDANCE environmental cost
ON COAL INDIRECTLY

RENEWABLE ENERGY OPTION

SOLAR ENERGY

No restrictions as in foreign countries for

HOME BASED INFRASTRUCTURE
CHANGES/ALTERATIONS
giving ample opportunity for home based solar
charging in the national context

evrev.lk
QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES
IN THE NATIONAL CONTEXT
The Group of people/respondents considered in the survey for
comprehensive study and analysis
• ELECTRIC CAR USERS
• THREE-WHEELER USERS (ICE)
• TWO-WHEELER USERS (ICE)
• BATTERY RETAIL SHOPS/SERVICE STATIONS
ELECTRIC CAR USERS SURVEY ANALYSIS
1, 2% 1, 2%
46 participants of the 50 in the Place of Living Occupation Government

survey are males, rest being 2 Private

females along with the average 8, 16%
age of the participants being 41. 21 16, 32% Self-employed

Student
27
Type of Use Not employed
24, 48%
Personal use
Other
Private Company Urban Semi-urban Rural
Government
Hiring/Taxi
Use as a second vehicle Frequency of Use
2, 4% 1, 2% Type of EV 8
Other 1
Daily 18

2 48 Once in a week

Weekends 23
47, 94%
Brand New EV Second hand EV
Special
Imported converted EV Converted after purchase
occasions only
Other-Recondition
 An EV as your next vehicle? Method of Finance used for purchase of an EV

11, 22%
1, 2%
20, 40%
5, 10% 29, 58% 25, 50%

4, 8% 5,
10%
Yes, self finance Yes, with concessions
Yes, with bank loan No Idea
Self-finance Bank Loan Leasing Other
No
Method of Charging

8, Home
11%
Office

Commercial Charging
23, 33% 36, 52% Station
Solar Charging System

Other
3, 4%
 Average Values of parameters calculated from the Survey
Average
Distance of Fuel Economy Average Cost of
Distance of Distance of Travel Electricity/Energy
Travel (km/full Maintain /Repair
Travel (km/week) (km/month) Budget (LKR per
(km/year) charge) (LKR per year)
month)
298 1196 15012 85 6258 3027

Reason/s for using an EV Disadvantages of EVs

Low Noise Battery recycling

Low second hand market
Low maintenance Lack of technical support
High electricity tariff
Low pollution (Eco-…
Lack of charging facilities
Low running cost Limited range per charge
Battery replacement cost
Other High Initial Cost
Other
0 10 20 30 40
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
TWO-WHEELER USERS (ICE) SURVEY ANALYSIS
Place of Living Occupation 5, 5%

20, 20% Government

15, 15%
Urban Private 16, 16%
33, 33%
Suburban 47, 47% Self-employed
20, 20%
Rural Student 44, 44% The survey sample
Not employed consists of 95 males and 5
females and the average
age of the respondents is
Type of Use Frequency of Use
32 ranging from 22 to 74
2
Personal use 4
Daily 5 3 years

Private Company Once a week

Government Weekends

Hiring/Taxi 96 Special Occasions

90
Use as a second Other
vehicle
 Benefit/s of Electric Two wheelers

26%
Awareness on Electric Two wheel vehicles
33%
(E2WV)
4%

37%

18, 18%
Low running cost Low pollution (Eco-friendly)
31, 31%
Low maintenance Low Noise
Others

Disadvantages of Electric 2Ws 34, 34%

17, 17%
2%
High Initial Cost

13% Battery replacement cost

32%
Limited range per charge
22% Well aware Some awareness Just heard Not aware
Lack of charging facilities
31%
Other
 Average Home
Average Method of Charging
Cost of
Distance Distance of Distance Fuel Electricity/En 1% Office
Maintain
of Travel Travel of Travel Economy ergy Budget
/Repair 6%
(km/week) (km/month) (km/year) (km/liter) (LKR per Commercial Charging
(LKR per 17% Station
month)
year) Solar Charging System

247 1087 12404 49 2975 12768 76% Battery Swapping

facility
Other
Willingness to convert to E2W
(if the running cost is 1/3rd and pay-back period is 3
years)
Willingness to buy a new EV as your next vehicle
Yes, self finance
15, 15% Yes, self finance
Yes, with 16, 16%
26, 26% concessions 22, 22%
Yes, with concessions
Yes, with bank
29, 29% loan Yes, with bank loan
18, 18% No Idea 30, 30% 19, 19%
No Idea

12, 12% No No
13, 13%
THREE-WHEELER USERS (ICE) SURVEY ANALYSIS
Awareness on Electric Three Wheelers

The survey has covered three-wheeler owners from 17 districts

across Sri Lanka
Out of the sample set, 100% of them are males with an average 16%
29%
age of 40 years
Out of 100 sample set,
o 100% of them are the owners of three-wheelers 55%
o 100% of them are self-employed
o 100% of them are using the three-wheeler on daily-basis "Yes, very Well" "Yes, to some extent" Not Aware
o 100% of them are using three-wheeler as a taxi or a hiring
vehicle
Preferred Method of charging a E3W

Average The Average The Average The Average The Average

Mileage Distance Fuel Fuel Budget Maintenance
(km) travelled per Economy per month Cost per
day (km) (km/ liter) (LKR) month (LKR) 32%

125,606 161 20 36,641 5,017 68%

Home Based Charging Commercial Charging Station

Preferred Method of Finance for an E3W purchase

22, 22%

The Willingness to purchase an E3W

11, 11%
67, 67% 4, 4%

"Yes with
concessions; bank
23, 23% loans"
Leasing Bank Loan No Idea Yet 28, 28% "Yes with
concessions"

No

45, 45%
"No Idea"
BATTERY RETAIL SHOPS/SERVICE STATIONS SURVEY ANALYSIS
Out of the sample set of 50 retail Nature of Business
stores and service stations, 96% Vending Only
(48/50) are from district of
2%
Colombo and 98% of the retail 10% Vending +Recharging Type of Electricity
shops were rented 8% Connection
Vending+Recharging+
51%
Repairs
29% EV Charging
Shop Floor Area 16%
Other

14% 84%
Availability of Parking

86% 10%
Single Phase Three phase

90%

Over 1000 sq ft Less than 1000 sq ft

More than 5 vehicle Less than 5 Vehicles
 Preferred Method of Charging
Nature of future business opportunities
10%

3%
90% 13%

3%

Grid Charging Grid-solar charging

Preferred Method of Finance

81%

20% 14%

Setting up an EV charging station Only

66%
Setting up an EV charging station + Battery Swapping Facility

EV Battery Services

Self-finance with concessions Bank Loan No Idea Battery Swapping facility only
Outcomes from the Study
• Importance of the promotion of EVs as a potential vehicle in the national
context
• The urgent need for a sustainable alternative in the present scenario
• The reflections of the present EV users in the national arena and their
reviews
• The practicality of the replacement of an ICE by an EV in the national
context
• The overall review of two and three wheel users regarding Electrification
of their respective modes
• The positive response of the Retail shops to actively participate in the EV
infrastructure development.
THANK YOU
 References
• IPPC, “Climate Change 2014 Mitigation of Climate Change”, Working Group III
Contribution to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, 2014
• IEA, “Key World Energy Statistics”, International Energy Agency (IEA), 2014
• Global Climate Risk Index 2019
https://germanwatch.org/en/16046?fbclid=IwAR3pmqLN0bupE5xfaeIGXKs53tDh
qfuBcoZf5lfosy3iipRf_zNIdT9IjIE
• https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data
• https://www.adb.org/news/infographics/climate-change-and-transport
• SLSEA, “Sri Lanka Energy Balance”, Online database, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy
Authority (SLSEA), [Online]. Available: http://www.info.energy.gov.lk/

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