Bhutan Hatches Ambitious Plan To Convert All Cars To EVs

[igotzzoom]

Will be interesting to see how this plays out. Bhutan is not a "rich" country by developed-world standards, so most of the population can't afford a Model S, much less a Leaf, but it will be exciting how innovative development and engineering might come up with an affordable EV that could catch on in developing countries.

http://gas2.org/2014/07/08/bhutan-hatches-ambitious-plan-to-convert-all-cars-to-evs/

 

[Electric700]

Amazing program, but I think they should use a car with liquid battery thermal management and better battery life controls. Since cost is an issue both the Chevy Spark EV and Ford Focus Electric, which have these systems, are more well suited (or of course the Model S if possible).

I'd like to see something like this here in the US. With the upcoming Tesla Generation III+ I think it will be easier for people to go EV.

 

[igotzzoom]

I'm thinking maybe an electrified version of the Tata Nano, considering Bhutan's close trade relationship with India. Of course, on a volume basis, Bhutan is barely a blip on the radar screen, with a population of only a little over 700,000, and only about 40,000 vehicles registered in the entire country. Will be an interesting experimental microcosm.

 

[AudubonB]

Plus, with 100% of the country's electricity coming from hydropower, what a concept! I wish them all well, and hope they can then expand that venture to include its buses; perhaps even its trucks.

And....with an mean elevation of 8,000 feet, this sure would solve all carburetor problems!

 

[Owner]

Having been fortunate to have been to the lovely country of Bhutan, I found some interesting articles from their official paper (through the government).

Looks like it is some used Leaf's. Next article is about the taxi driver's thoughts and an article about the first two electric cars in Bhutan and some help from Japan.

50 ‘Leaf’ electric cars due by early June
Cabbies not yet sold on electric alternative
Country’s first two electric cars call it a day
Japan to help with charging stations

 

[jerry33]

Looks like it is some used Leaf's.

In Japan, it becomes progressively more expensive to drive an older car, so many not-so-old used cars are shipped to various countries.