Overview of Electric Vehicle Adoption in Bhutan

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">Nestled in the Himalayas, the Kingdom of Bhutan demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation, guided by its constitution and the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH). This commitment is underpinned by policies in conservation, waste management, and energy practices. Despite efforts to promote clean energy, Bhutan relies heavily on non-renewable sources—coal, biomass, and petroleum—accounting for 62.4% of its energy mix, while hydropower, wind, and solar contribute 37.6%. The government has introduced initiatives like the “Low Emission Development Strategy” and the “EV Roadmap 2035” to encourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption. However, the transport sector consumes over 108,768.10 KTOE (14.4% of total energy use), with vehicle sales rising at a CAGR of 6.7% from 75,190 in 2014 to 126,650 in 2023. Yet, only 0.36% of these vehicles are electric, while others contributing to 60.01% of the country's carbon dioxide emissions. By referencing relevant reports and quantitative studies such as surveys, this paper investigates the perspectives on electric vehicles (EVs) in Bhutan, examining factors such as price, performance, charging infrastructure, environmental concerns, and government incentives. Key barriers to EV adoption include high upfront costs, range anxiety, and insufficient charging facilities, despite the recognition of government subsidies. The findings can serve as a guide for policymakers, emphasizing the necessity of government interventions to meet the “2035 EV Roadmap” goal of achieving 70% of vehicle sales as EVs by 2035.</div></div>