3 most affordable EVs available in Bangladesh
With more Chinese vehicle makers entering Bangladesh, there has been a surge in EVs. In this feature, we listed three of the cheapest Electric Vehicles in Bangladesh, all from China, for under Tk60 lakh
Recently Bangladesh has witnessed a rapid development in its electric vehicle (EVs) sector. It all started in January 2023 when Bangladesh received its first 'official' electric vehicle launch with Audi's Q8 E Tron.
Since then, multiple automotive companies have added electric vehicles to their lineup.
To push the green initiative, the Bangladeshi government issued an electric vehicle import tax of about 89% of the car's value, the lowest import duty for any vehicle import. Besides, in compliance with government initiatives, various companies have set up charging booths all over Bangladesh to make the process more seamless.
This shift is advantageous in countering air pollution and dependence on fossil fuels; and aiding sustainability.
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Till now however, while EVs did require the lowest duties to be paid, the vehicles in the EV industry, in general, were the more premium offerings of the past decade. Now with more Chinese vehicle makers entering Bangladesh, there has seen a surge in EV offerings — at prices more affordable than ever before.
In this feature, we have three of the cheapest EVs in Bangladesh, all from China, for under Tk60 lakh.
Haval GWM Ora EV
In Bangladesh, Haval is considered to be the first automaker to set the trend for Chinese vehicles in Bangladesh. To fit the trend of EVs, it brought the GWM Ora EV to Bangladesh.
Haval GWM Ora EV is the first battery electric vehicle by Great Wall Motors. Deemed retro-futuristic in its design, the Ora EV at first glance will remind you of small European hatchbacks like the Volkswagens or the Fiats.
However, under its passenger seats, this car is fitted with a 63kWh battery with fast charging capability that allows it to charge from 20% to 80% in around 43 minutes. In full charge, this car achieves a claimed maximum range of about 500 km.
Powering the Ora EV is a 126kW motor that generates a maximum torque of 250 Nm and has a top speed of around 160 kmph. When making this car, GWM designed it with a focus on metropolitan areas and offered something unique at an affordable price.
For features, it receives a 10.25-inch infotainment connected to either four or six speakers, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roomy cabins for five and high-level security features with regards to a car which is marketed at environmentally aware people.
According to Haval's website, it comes with either a four year of 150,000 km Vehicle warranty and up to eight years or 150,000 km of power battery, drive motor and motor controller warranty.
Price: Tk55 Lakh
MG 4 EV
The MG4 is one of the earlier EV options to be available in Bangladesh. This electric hatchback is powered by a 51-kWh battery, significantly lower than the other two which squeezes out a lower range of about 350 km.
However, if you drive it in the city, it can still be your ideal grocery getter.
The 125 kW motor generates 250 Nm of torque with a 0-100 time of about eight seconds. The 51 kW battery can be charged with DC charging with a max input of 117 kW and takes around 40 minutes to reach from 10%-80%.
The MG 4 has a modern exterior with sporty touches but a simple design. Its size is great for maneuvering in population centers but yet has enough quirky styling bits to make it stand out.
Inside, it also comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for its infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto as well. The digital driver display is modern but oddly however, it misses out on a rear camera.
Other than that, the interior feels average with its fabric-plastic layout. The rear cabin is similar to a Corolla with generous space as a city-goer.
The MG 4 EV presents an attractive package of modern design, tech-savvy interiors and solid performance – all with a bumper-to-bumper warranty of either five years or 100,00km for those looking to transition into electric vehicles.
Price: Tk49 Lakh
BYD ATTO 3
BYD is currently the largest EV manufacturer of the world, with sales almost doubling that of Tesla in 2023. Since BYD officially launched in Bangladesh earlier this year, the EV maker is now set to launch the Atto 3– its second model in Bangladesh.
Unlike the other hatchbacks, this is an electric crossover that seeks to integrate performance with good looks and concerns for the environment.
Offering either a 49.92 kWh battery with the Standard Package or a 60.48 kWh one with the Extended Range package, it offers ranges of 345 km and 420 km, respectively. Its 100 kW motor provides 310 Nm torque, making the car feel rapid while accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 10.1 seconds.
BYD claims their fast charging from 30% to 80% takes under 30 minutes, which gives you enough range for daily commutes.
If the specifications don't stand out to you, its design choices will surely do. Based on BYD's Dynasty design language which takes inspiration from the Chinese heritage, this model features design elements meant to resemble a Chinese dragon on the outside and oddly 'human muscles' on the inside.
Other than that, it comes with a 12.8-inch face-titled rotating screen, a panoramic sunroof combined and a generously spacious cabin complete with technology and comfort. Among the three, it offers the best build quality in our opinion and also the highest warranty among the three of either eight years or up to 160,000 km.
Price: Standard package: Tk49.90 Lakh
Extended package: Tk55.90 Lakh
