BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
โฆ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ต๐๐๐ ๐ฝ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐’๐ ๐ฐ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐น๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐ ๐ช๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐’๐ ๐ฌ๐ฝ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐
Sonam Deki
Bhutan, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, has been at the forefront of embracing electric vehicles (EVs) as a key solution to combat carbon emissions. However, the EV operators in the country have recently expressed their disappointment and raised serious allegations against the NetaV vehicle, asserting that its kilometer range fails to meet expectations. As the demand for EVs surges in Bhutan, these concerns surrounding the NetaV EV’s range have ignited a debate about the suitability and performance of electric vehicles in the country’s unique geographical conditions. The allegations have drawn attention to the need for reliable and long-range EVs to effectively meet the transportation needs of Bhutan’s environmentally conscious populace.
According to Tshering Penjor, the Executive Director of Bhutan Taxi Association, “Their allegation regarding the kilometer range of the NetaV and MG5 stemmed from the expectation that it would exceed 500 km. However, upon its arrival in Bhutan, the actual kilometer range fell short of that mark. In response, the consumer protection department clarified that a reduction of 10 to 20 percent in range was anticipated due to the geographical conditions, as the vehicle was primarily designed for flat terrain. However, the range reduction was more than anticipated reduction.”
He added, “In the case of BYD vehicles, the displayed kilometer range on the dashboard aligns precisely with its actual capacity when fully charged, typically around 500 km. On the other hand, MG5 and NetaV models lack this feature, resulting in an absence of real-time range information. Another aspect mentioned in the petition is the desire for the MG5 to display the kilometer reading on the dashboard, leading to suspicions that the dealer may be tampering with or manipulating.”
“The government has already provided subsidies, but if the dealer fails to address this issue and customers who have made bookings are dissatisfied, the only viable solution remaining is to replace the vehicles. Efforts are currently underway to implement this change through a new project, where the remaining vehicles will be replaced with new ones” he further added.
The petition regarding NetaV EV was officially submitted more than a month ago, whereas the complaint concerning the MG5 has yet to be filed.
Wangchuk Dorji, an experienced driver expressed his concerns about the NetaV vehicle, stating, “There exist numerous loopholes in the design of the NetaV car, including its limited range and the challenges associated with procuring spare tires. As a result, we are eagerly awaiting the swift completion of the investigation.”
Rumors have been circulating among the public, indicating that a significant number of MG5 vehicles remain undelivered. As a result of these complaints, individuals who had previously made bookings are now expressing their reluctance to accept the vehicles. However, the owner of the company firmly denied these allegations, refuting any claims of pending deliveries or customer dissatisfaction.
The owner of Kuenphen Company, the EV dealer vehemently denied the existence of any undelivered MG5 vehicles, dismissing the allegations made against them as baseless. They confirmed having engaged in discussions with the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority and eagerly await their verdict. They expressed their concerns about certain individuals attempting to sow discord in society and emphasized their intention to address the matter with utmost seriousness through the company’s legal representative.
On the other hand, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority, under the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment, has confirmed that they are actively investigating the matter.
