Bhutan – The OEM has entered into an agreement with the government to support a nationwide transition to an electric vehicle (EV) fleet, in line with Bhutan’s aim to become a zero emissions country. Nissan will supply LEAF vehicles for use by the government and as taxis, plus demonstration units and quick chargers.
The agreement follows talks last year between Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan, and Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of Bhutan. Speaking at the announcement of the partnership, Tobgay commented: “Nissan’s global experience will be invaluable as we make progress towards an electrified national transport infrastructure.”
Ghosn said Nissan would use the opportunity to “demonstrate how our electric vehicle business can be scaled in emerging markets that are rich in clean-energy”. Bhutan generates enough hydro-electricity to export it but currently relies on oil imports for vehicles.
The agreement between Nissan and Bhutan includes feasibility studies for further technical co-operation. The governement will look at implementing an exemption from the green tax, sales tax and customs duty for EVs, as well as a carbon credit scheme in which the sale of EVs will earn credits that can be traded for tax exemptions for conventional vehicle imports.