With the taxes on hybrid vehicles being increased and those on electric vehicles being reduced through the new government’s interim budget, Power & Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka’s attention has been drawn towards establishing re-charging centres island-wide, says his ministry.

The Power & Energy Ministry says that under this programme, the involvement of the private sector would be solicited to establish electric vehicle re-charging centres island-wide at fuel servicing stations, supermarkets and even homes.

Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka says he proposes to introduce a new electricity tariff rate for re-charging from 1.00 am to 4.00 am.

The Minister adds that apart from electric vehicles, he is considering introducing electric trains as well to Sri Lanka.

The price of a Nissan Leaf electrically powered car has dropped by around Rs. 570,000 since the duty on electric cars was reduced through the interim budget.