CMTA raises concerns on importing used electric vehicles into Sri Lanka

10 October 2022 05:15 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Says EV built for cold climates may not suit tropical regions
Points out used EV could have HV battery damages

The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), the most senior automotive association in South Asia, has raised serious concerns about the importation of used electric vehicles to Sri Lanka.

In order to minimise the negative impact on the consumer, environment, society, and economy, it is imperative that the country imports EVs which are directly shipped by the manufacturer with the recommendation for this tropical climate, the Association said in a statement to the media.

“EVs built for colder climates may not be suitable for tropical regions as they might not have the required HV battery cooling systems.

“EVs purchased and imported through importers who are not the agents for the respective brand, might not come with a proper warranty cover to protect the consumer. Used EVs that are shipped over to Sri Lanka may have HV batteries which could have damages that are not visible externally,” the CMTA said.

Manufacturers’ warranties are a minimum of five years for passenger cars and three years for two-wheelers, in order to protect consumer’s interest.

CMTA shared that one of its other biggest concerns is the disposal of High Voltage (HV) batteries, as they can be extremely hazardous to both the environment and groundwater systems, if not disposed properly. For this, the CMTA recommends that EV importers should sign up with a battery recycling and re-exporting company to eliminate any negative implications from poor disposal practices. It further asserted the need to establish a legal framework to prosecute people who do so.

“It is important to note that the landed cost of an HV battery could vary from Rs.5 million upwards for most EVs, or approximately 50 percent of the CIF value of the vehicle. It is therefore imperative that any EVs imported into the country must be imported within six months of manufacture, as it would negate the negative impacts HV batteries might have,” the association said.

CMTA Chairman Charaka Perera stressed the need to encourage the importation of brand new EVs directly from the manufacturer as opposed to used vehicles.

“Vehicle electrification will bode very well for Sri Lanka, and we must ensure that the necessary steps are taken to ensure these vehicles are imported properly and that they do not pose an environmental or economic threat to the country,” he said in the statement.

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Comments - 15

Chatura M Monday, 10 October 2022 07:33 AM

Looks like CMTA does not get a good commission (or no commission) for used vehicle imports.

jan Monday, 10 October 2022 07:57 AM

ECONOMY DISINTEGRATED DELIBERATELY OR DUE TO LACK OF KNOWLEDGE BY MR,BASIL,GOTA,WHY WE NEED USED ELECTRIC VEHICLES AT THIS MOMENT, NO NEED AT ALL PRIORITY MUST GIVEN TO AGRICULTURE, HEALTH, EDUCATION,HOUSES TO UPGRADE SRILANKANS LIVES IMMEDIATELY NOT ANY VEHICLES

ram Monday, 10 October 2022 08:21 AM

warranty 5 years to vehicles and 2 years for 2 wheelers. Have you given such warranty period to those vehicles imported and sold by you. Dont find fall reasons for not giving a chance to import vehicles by you and sell at very higher price.

Down the prices Monday, 10 October 2022 08:24 AM

This is garbage. In the US some north parts cold (New York), while south is tropical hot (Florida). Cars aren't sold for part of the US. Also weather nowadays each season going from extreme cold to heat waves in UK and Europe. DM should see this rubbish by the CMTA for what it is. CMTA is business association/cartel/business mafia. This information put out is a standard fear, uncertainty and doubt (FUD) seeding tactic to prevent competitor business getting in. Got to hell with your tactics CMTA.

Mohamed s Monday, 10 October 2022 10:21 AM

Tottely agreed with you and In Australia we are using in all over every,(45 degree to 10 degree) CMTA are idiots. I have one as well.

Be Fair Tuesday, 11 October 2022 12:51 PM

Down the Prices you do not have any clue about National Policy, Enviorment and its implcations Yes the CMTA members will make money, they make it legitamtely and give back tot he Economy, unlike the direct importers whom we know what Best Practices they enage in. This is highly debatable as well, the direct importers have some guys on their payroll. So I leave it to you for the benefit. I will remain as I know you have no clue on this

Dee Monday, 10 October 2022 08:43 AM

Whilst agreeing on the fact that used EV will have old batteries and would be of concern, certainly can't agree with the statement that 'only respective authorized agent be allowed to import a brand'. Having worked for one we know what big margin they keep and even a bigger margin on spares. And as for after sales and warranty - using NAITA trainees , one can't expect A class after sales service. If a car is within a reasonable period and if the battery is replaced or certified by an acceptable authority - any person should be allowed to import and clear paying applicable taxes.

D P P Prasad Monday, 10 October 2022 10:14 AM

It is a very good move that CMTA has decided to import the used both four wheel and two wheel vehicles. However as far as Srilanka is concerned it is a tropical country where the temperature is constantly fluctuating which badly affects the durability of the batteries.Further all vehicles should consist of high voltage batteries so as to enable the vehicles to run long distance.Besides the high voltage batteries are very harmful to the human health. Therefore there should be a proper machanism to dispose or recycle the batteries

Gehan Monday, 10 October 2022 10:38 AM

Certainly agree about the dangers of battery disposal into the environment and release of heavy metals. However, the rest if the article is about maintaining their cartel.

Rata beragumu Monday, 10 October 2022 10:39 AM

Any politician would see through this authorised channel bullshit. Typical cartel/business mafia approach to become only dealer, so set prices as they want. Which newspaper journalists will educate the public about these business mafia/cartels tactics, and approaches as it's not just CMTA but many others too.

Siripala Monday, 10 October 2022 10:46 AM

Absolutely correct, and technology is still at the early stages, and need to be mindful.

NightOwl Monday, 10 October 2022 12:00 PM

These guys once said on TV that emergency brakes don't suit the country as they can cause accidents with the vehicles behind you.

Thomas Edison Monday, 10 October 2022 12:12 PM

Sri Lanka should worry more about energy security before becoming even more dependent on electricity. First order of business is to abandon that BooruCholai power plant for a better thermal power plant. Electric cars are great for small countries like Sri Lanka but charging infra is a must.

Gamaya Monday, 10 October 2022 02:10 PM

I see that most people here don't want "authorized agents" to import their vehicles. Fair point if you see that they rob your hard earned money more than the so called importers then import through other parties. When the vehicles have battery issues where do you take them? Main point what needs to be understood here is that we have been putting temporary patches to issues in the country. There were many people who for their gain have promoted EV vehicles, but failed to understand the reality. Sri Lanka doesn't have proper EV charging networks, yes there are few but how many have fast charging capabilities and of them how many can charge modern vehicles? In the US in some provinces they have banned EV charging during peak hours, they say that the grid cannot provide enough power. Also worth noting that in other countries they have issues adapting to EV simply due to the cost involved in setting up charging networks.

Lanka Monday, 10 October 2022 06:15 PM

Do We not have enough vehicles in the country? Why we need to get some used junk which will end up in the environment (such as those bad batteries etc). What is the deal with more and more "vehicles" when we are already bombarded with vehicles? Haven't we learned any lessons?

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CMTA raises concerns on importing used electric vehicles into Sri Lanka

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