Palki Motors: Revolutionizing the Electric Cars In Bangladesh

Everybody in middle-class Bangladesh aspires to own a car. Owning a car is the most comfortable way to commute. However, the cost prevents that dream from being realized. The cost of purchasing an automobile is rising, particularly for middle-class individuals. However, the domestic automaker “Palki Motors Limited” has recently stepped up to realize that goal. Palki Motors has produced a vehicle that will cost under  5 lakh taka. The vehicle was introduced in January of last year.

Bangladesh’s automobile manufacturing sector is still in its formative stages. But ‘Palki Motors’ is trying to make this different. The corporation has even gone so far as to introduce domestically made electric cars in the nation, which has created new opportunities for environmentally friendly transportation.

The Begin: From Ideation to Actualization

The first Palki Motors was in a little garage. The business’s owners were first concerned with how they would start up and pay the rent for a tiny workplace. Nevertheless, they acquired a cheap workshop and began production after considerable searching. Initially, they encountered many difficulties. They didn’t stop, however.

Eventually, the business moved to a bigger location and began operating in an 8,000-square-foot facility, progressively increasing the amount of work. The massive facility featured distinct systems for testing, welding, painting, and assembly. Intending to produce higher-quality goods, they then set up stamping machines. Palki Motors co-founder and CEO Mustafa Al Momin stated, “Our goal was to introduce electric vehicles to the market with 100% domestic technology at a cost that was affordable for everyone.”

Mostafa Al Momin is opening new horizons in the electric vehicle industry in Bangladesh. | Photo collected.

Palki Motors’ technological advancements and inventive characteristics

An electric four-wheeler with a changeable battery is the main offering from Palki Motors. It is highly well-liked in the rural market. With a starting price of 4.99 lakh taka, the car is becoming more and more well-known both domestically and abroad as an economical option for the average person.

About 40% of the parts for the Palki Prototype automobile are made in the country, with the remainder coming from Taiwan and China. Engineless electric vehicles will progressively become more economical and efficient in the local market, according to Mustafa Al Momin, an electrical engineer and businessman.

Currently, each Palki Motors car is powered by a lead acid battery with a capacity of 100Ah and 60V, which can drive for up to 150 kilometers between charges. The battery takes six to eight hours to fully charge. The average automotive battery lasts more than 36,000 kilometers. The cost of each kilometer is a mere 1.73 Taka. According to Momin, the car can reach 60 km/h, which is under the current local speed limit. Palki Motors has invested about 26 lakh taka so far.

According to the founder, Mustafa Al Momin, “Oil costs in cars are high.” Automobiles with diesel or octane engines might cost up to Tk 10–15 per kilometer. For every kilometer, CNG costs four and a half taka. However, our car costs only 0.30 to 0.55 Taka per kilometer, even with air conditioning. We keep spare parts for one automobile on hand while we build two. Every vehicle’s spare parts are now easily accessible in all districts outside of Dhaka.

Palki Motors’ technological solutions for a sustainable environment. | Photo collected.

Pride and motivation for the nation

Without a doubt, Palki Motors serves as an inspiration to the nation’s youthful entrepreneurs. The nation takes pride in its domestic automobiles. Through their own hard work, creativity, and initiative, Palki Motors has created new opportunities in Bangladesh’s eco-friendly automobile industry. It is anticipated to have a favorable effect on the nation’s future transportation infrastructure.

Even if there was a plan at first, Mostafa Al Momin stated that we lacked the funds to carry it out. I later completed my master’s degree in electrical engineering in the United States.

Even so, after completing my education, I wanted to return home. To have a platform was a dream come true. With the abandoned cars from the police station, my journey began. After that, we will give electric vehicles our full attention in 2022. Thus, today’s Palki is created.

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