The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA) has raised “serious concerns” about the battery dangers from the import of electric vehicles (EVs) to Sri Lanka and batteries not suited to a tropical climate.
It called for EV shipments directly from manufacturers with tropical climate recommendations such as high voltage battery cooling systems.
Virann De Zoysa, Vice Chair of the CMTA and General Manager of Suzuki Motor Vehicles, told BEST the country had been flooded with EVs after import duties were set at 5% in 2014, compared to 200% on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The government wanted to encourage EVs to cut fuel consumption and boost the environment.
“Imports of used EVs from around the world began to filter into Sri Lanka without regulation, manufacturer support, technical training or support, safety and recovery training or support and finally without battery disposal policy or support,” he said.
He represents distribution of Nissan, Suzuki, Renault, Datsun and Yamaha in Sri Lanka.
Batteries began to fail, with fully charged ranges down to 25 miles. Untrained technicians began to disassemble batteries and substitute cells to extend mileage. Old cells are being disposed of and there is no regulation of this, he said.
“Vehicle battery management systems are now hacked and safety levels of battery charging have been released to extend mileage. I believe this is illegal in most countries as it can increase the risk of fire damage to lithium iron batteries,” he added.
Damaged Nissan Leaf imports: “dangerous cargo”
Batteries are being imported as part of damaged Nissan Leafs on Japanese auction sites – with no assurances about internal damage.
“This is dangerous cargo with high fire risk. However, they are shipped with normal spare parts undisclosed which is a fire risk for the entire vessel carrying these shipments.
The CMTA is now calling for the regulation of the industry from import to maintenance and disposal, with battery warranties, local recycling agreements and end-of-life management for batteries.
The Sri Lankan government has been asked to comment.
Photo: Virann De Zoysa, Vice Chair of the CMTA, says batteries are being imported as part of damaged Nissan Leafs, and are dangerous cargo
