Team ReadMe
Over the past decade, electric cars went from a niche segment to an important part of the sustainable future conversation. Today almost every major car manufacturer in the world has an electric vehicle offering. In Sri Lanka, apart from VEGA, electric cars have rarely made the news. With hopes of making a mark on the space, Ideal Motors has unveiled its own fully electric car—Moksha, one that’s made entirely in Sri Lanka.
The announcement comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s crippled economy continues to drown nearly every sector in the country, particularly the transportation side of things. Getting around from point A to point B on a daily basis has become almost a luxury for many Sri Lankans today. The lack of viable alternatives hasn’t helped either. Hence why electric has been in more local conversation recently than before. True, it offers a relatively sustainable travel choice compared to its fuel-centric counterpart. But for Sri Lankans, the bigger selling point is its usability above anything else.
The Ideal Moksha
In a recent unveiling, Ideal Motors presented the Moksha car to the public. According to the company, the car is fitted with a 22.46 kWh Lithium battery that operates at a 200km range on a single charge. Additionally, the car weighs around 870kg while its powertrain packs a speed of 1800RPM. On the interior, Moksha comes with a four-passenger capacity (including the driver) and a standard 7″ touchscreen display. At the time of writing, its price tag is approximately LKR 4 million.
“It gives me immense pleasure to declare that my 35 years of experience in the automobile business has contributed to the making of this car on my home soil. I fervently hope that this signals a beginning of a new era in the manufacture of EVs in Sri Lanka,” comments Founder and Chairman of Ideal Group Nalin Welgama while unveiling Moksha.
The car is currently going through its final testing and approval processes, with the expectation that it will hit the local market sometime in November. Each car will ship with a two-year warranty for its electric motor along with a five-year warranty for its battery.
The company also plans to package a green solution along with a Moksha purchase. For households that consume less than 200 kWh per month, the package will offer the installation of a 4kW rooftop solar panel.
Additionally, the unveiling included an e-bike as well as a retrofit kit that could facilitate the combustion to electric engine migration.
Infrastructural needs
Of course, building an EV is only part of the equation. There are also infrastructural challenges that need to be tackled. Fortunately, it seems efforts are already underway in this regard. Back in June, the USAID signed an agreement with VEGA Innovations in an effort to help the company develop the country’s EV sector. This includes assistance in piloting a charging network for electric vehicles and VEGA’s e-tuktuks, along with manufacturing support for local batteries and inverters.
The demand for EVs has seen a sharp uptick following the fuel crisis with businesses already switching to alternatives out of necessity. The likes of PickMe and Uber are already operating with ebikes and bicycles for their food delivery with other delivery operators following suit. Some companies have even started promoting “cycle to work” initiatives. Meanwhile, the government is actively trying to curb the situation via technology, with mixed reactions from the public.
Nevertheless, an LKR 4 million electric car may not resolve Sri Lanka’s economic woes anytime soon. Though it may serve as a step in the right direction for building better transportation infrastructure in the country. Whether Ideal’s Moksha will play an important role in that possible future, time will tell.
Personally feel that the cost is too high. Most youth will go for this car, and so we have to look at pricing that is more attractive and meets their budget. I think around 2.8million is a friendlier price, but maybe add options that will allow for the full price (so any additions can be purchased ) The solar panel is a great idea, but not necessary for those who already have it at home – so again, it should be optional. If they price it better, they can achieve economy of scale in selling more cars, which will not only benefit the company but also the country and the environment in the long run.
I’m a bit iffy about the pricing too and I do think a lower price tag might help. But I guess we’ll see what the reception will be like. Regardless, feels like a step in the right direction, and a very timely one at that. Hopefully Sri Lanka will now think more long term in building EV infrastructure here.
Hi I want to buy a Moksha Electric car .