“We need to use alternative fuels, as the fossil fuels we are burning today will be exhausted soon”, said Union Minister for Industry U Khin Maung Cho at the signing of an agreement to manufacture electric buses and erect charging stations in Myanmar.
At the signing ceremony, held at the Research and Development Bureau in Yedhashe, the Union Minister said the country is promoting the use of renewable energy, while reducing the consumption of fossil fuels. Electricity may be the best tool in alleviating the consequences of burning fossil fuels. So, the global production and use of electric cars is on the rise, as fossil fuel-burning cars are being replaced by hybrid and electric cars. Myanmar also needs the assembling of electric cars to protect the natural environment and reduce carbon emissions.
Accordingly, the ministry will manufacture electric buses and charging stations, in cooperation with Green Power Myanmar Co Ltd, by adapting the technology of Csepel Holding Limited of Hungary. He also said the ultimate aim is to turn Myanmar into an electric bus and parts exporter, as well as the Southeast Asian hub for electric vehicles. The Hungarian cooperation will provide Myanmar with new manufacturing, repair and maintenance technologies. Moreover, the country can earn income from exports and generate job opportunities.
Honorary Consul of Hungary for Myanmar Daw Tint Tint Lwin spoke words of greetings and Executive Director of Green Power Myanmar Co Ltd, U Tin Maung Kyin, and Director of Csepel Holding Limited Kalaichelvan explained the electric car production and charging station erection program through the use of video clips.
Managing Director No 1 Heavy Industry U Kan Chun and Managing Director of Green Power Myanmar Co Ltd Daw Nilar Kyin signed the agreement in the presence of the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Director Kalaichelvan.
Following this, Green Power Myanmar Co Ltd and Oriental Transportation Enterprise Co Ltd signed an agreement to manufacture 300 electric buses for Myanmar.
Green Power Myanmar Co Ltd, which is working with Csepel Holding Limited of Hungary has already taken orders for 7,000 electric buses for Sri Lanka, India and Singapore, and another 300 for Myanmar. Because of the lower fuel costs, the business expects to see profits within three to five years.
As electric buses are smokeless vehicles that do not need lubricants, their maintenance costs are low. Using ten-year batteries, they are light vehicles which can travel up to 300 kilometers. There are charging stations and modern services tied into an e-ticket system. Because of such advantages, a new transport sector is expected to emerge in Myanmar.
The Union Minister, MPS, the Honorary Consul, Hungarian engineers and officials toured the electric car and hybrid car assembly lines of No 12 Heavy Industry, No 15 Heavy Industry and the No 26 Heavy Industry. —MNA (Translated by TMT)
Source:
http://www.industry.gov.mm/en/article/news/1033