Govt efforts ‘key for electric car revolution to gain speed’

The presence of electric cars on Bahrain roads would depend mainly on legislative, economic and infrastructure factors rather than any decision by manufacturers, according to experts.

Electric cars have rapidly advanced in technology and car manufactures will not have any issues scaling their manufacturing numbers if needed. However, the rate of growth of the cars will depend on how-much impetus it receives from government to facilitate electric cars, according to leading industry experts who took part in a discussion on the topic on Tuesday.

Euromotors General Manager David McGoldick, Dinamica International Chairman Dr Bijan Majidi, President for Middle East and Regional Vice President for Africa Middle East and India - Nissan Kalyana Sivagnanam were part of discussions during the ‘Automobile Business Forum’ organised by Capital Club yesterday evening.

“I do not think this will be driven by the manufacturers, the manufacturers can easily bring in five models of electric cars in the next three years. Legislation, both punitive and positive legislation will have an affect. Cost of generating power will also be a factor. Infrastructure is also an issue, by this I mean the availability of recharging stations for the electric cars,” said Mr Sivagnanam.