Dushanbe: The executive authorities of Dushanbe have announced plans to transition the city's entire passenger transport fleet to electric vehicles by 2028.
According to National information agency of Tajikistan, on May 15, during the visit of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mayor of Dushanbe Rustam Emomali, 30 modern electric buses manufactured by Akia Avesto Automotive Industry were put into operation. The electric buses, equipped with heating and cooling systems, 6 surveillance cameras, and 2 display screens, have been produced according to European standards. Each bus has 32 seats and a total capacity of 100 passengers. The buses are powered by batteries with a total capacity of 350 kWh, allowing for an autonomous range of up to 300 kilometers. The battery and other electrical components are guaranteed for 600,000 kilometers or 8 years.
A modern charging station has been established at the State Utility Enterprise 'Bus-1' in Dushanbe to ensure daily power supply for the electric vehicles. The shift towards electric vehicles in Dushanbe is part of the city's efforts to transform into a green metropolis, improve its environmental situation, reduce emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, and fulfill the directives of the President and Mayor of Dushanbe. The company's first batch of 30 electric buses is a significant step in this direction.
According to studies, electric vehicles, especially electric buses, are more cost-effective than diesel buses, with operational costs being 9 to 10 times lower on average. Tajikistan, one of the countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) that generates clean and affordable electricity, is well-positioned to adopt electric vehicles for both economic and environmental reasons. Additionally, the use of electric vehicles reduces the country's dependency on certain imported goods.
As electric and hybrid vehicle production and usage continue to gain momentum globally, particularly in countries rich in oil and gas resources, Tajikistan is taking the lead in introducing this clean and cost-effective mode of transport. This aligns with the country's broader strategy to develop a green economy. In his Address to the Supreme Assembly (Parliament), President Emomali Rahmon emphasized that the government's goals include achieving a 100% transition to renewable energy sources for electricity production by 2032, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with international standards by 2037, and transforming Tajikistan into a green nation.
In line with these objectives, the government is taking steps to gradually build the necessary infrastructure and provide the required conditions for the widespread adoption of electric transport across the country.