Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings (JKH) has partnered with Nepal’s Chaudhary Group (CG Corp) to introduce BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to the region, anticipating a shift away from internal combustion engines. JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra stated that the group saw a compelling opportunity in the electric vehicle market, predicting a significant switch from petrol to electric vehicles in the near future.
In Nepal, 8 out of 10 new cars sold are now electric, according to CG Corp’s Managing Director, Nirvana Chaudhary. The move aligns with Sri Lanka’s goals to increase renewable energy usage by 2030, further supporting the case for EV adoption.
BYD, a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, offers vehicles equipped with advanced batteries that come with an 8-year warranty, designed to last the vehicle’s lifetime. These batteries can also be repurposed for energy storage in buildings, adding further value.
JKH plans to support the EV rollout by establishing around 50 new charging centers at Keells Super outlets and their hotels across Sri Lanka within the next 6 to 12 months. Currently, there are about 300 charging stations set up by various entities throughout the country.
The first BYD showroom is now open, allowing customers to book vehicles for future delivery when import controls are lifted, possibly next year. BYD vehicles, priced between 9 to 20 million rupees, offer a range of 300 to 400 kilometers, ideal for Sri Lanka’s compact geography.
Sri Lanka’s import restrictions, imposed due to economic challenges, have delayed the wider adoption of EVs. However, with renewed focus on sustainable transport and renewable energy, the JKH-CG partnership aims to pave the way for the EV revolution in the country.