Bangladesh plans to require millions of battery-powered auto-rickshaws to use solar-powered charging stations as a condition of registration, aiming to reduce pressure on the electricity grid. Industry representatives say the policy could spur investment in solar charging infrastructure, create jobs and expand renewable energy, while urging the government to include net metering.
Bangladesh has made solar power mandatory for the charging of millions of illegally operated battery-powered three-wheelers, which are currently charged from the electricity grid.
“To get registered, these auto-rickshaws will have to charge their batteries with solar power,” State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam said this week.
He said the rickshaws must be registered with city corporations and municipalities across the country and recharged exclusively with solar power, with violations subject to fines.
According to Alam, the vehicles will be governed under an existing law, while regulations to implement the legislation are currently being prepared.
