Sustainable Energy Authority calls for EOIs to set up 90 solar-assisted EV charging stations

• Intends to boost electric mobility to overcome prevailing energy crisis 
• Expects to set up minimum 10 charging stations per province, by “A” grade roads or highways
• Facilities should be equipped with 100 KW minimum capacity with applicable gear for light vehicles, bikes and three-wheelers
• SL’s EV fleet at present is below 5,000 with majority with a range of fewer than 200 km

By Charumini de Silva

The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) has called for Expression of Interest (EOIs) from firms to establish solar-assisted charging stations, to boost electric mobility presenting several opportunities to overcome the ongoing energy crisis.

The authority expects to set up at least 10 charging stations per province, located by the side of the “A” grade roads or highways with a minimum capacity of 100 KW solar plant, to charge at least three vehicles at once.

The solar plants must be connected to the grid as per the existing tariff structures. The tariff system for grid connection and users should be according to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUSCL).

Electric vehicles are one of the promising technologies that could reduce fossil fuel-based emissions and extensively reduce the fuel bill for Sri Lanka as a country 100% dependent on imports. However, the country’s EV fleet at present is below 5,000 whereas the majority are with a range of fewer than 200 km.

“There is a lack of charging stations in remote areas, which induces range anxiety. This is one of the key reasons why the mobility of the electric vehicles is curtailed – especially given the aging of batteries in most of the vehicle models available in the country,” a SLSEA official told the Daily FT based on anonymity.

It was pointed out that electric vehicles can be charged during off-peak times, which is advantageous to utilities and those automobiles can also be used to power houses in power outages.

The prospective firms should be financially viable and must conduct a present and future demand analysis. Single solar-assisted charging stations should be set up on a minimum of 40 perch land and the facility should be equipped with applicable gear for light vehicles, bikes and three-wheelers, as per the latest guidelines issued by the PUCSL.

The SLSEA will assist with the grid connection issues of the developers with the utilities, whilst also 

mediating appropriately to obtain locally made charging equipment and liaising with the Finance Ministry for reducing the tax for imported equipment related to the projects.

Currently, one-third of Sri Lanka’s primary energy is for transport fuels, which are all imported and the shift towards electric vehicles could significantly reduce this dependence, the SLSEA said.