EV Demand Declines as Customs Delays Stall Over 1,000 BYD Vehicle Imports in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ambitious push toward electric mobility has hit a major roadblock, as the Electric Vehicle Owners Association (EVOA) warns of fading consumer interest amid ongoing Customs delays that have left more than 1,000 BYD electric vehicles detained.

The EVOA said that the prolonged clearance issues at Sri Lanka Customs have severely disrupted the market, affecting both investors and consumers who have already purchased or placed deposits for their vehicles.

In July 2025, Customs detained two BYD shipments belonging to John Keells CG Auto (Pvt) Ltd, the authorized distributor of BYD vehicles in Sri Lanka. Following a writ application, Customs agreed to release 991 vehicles in August and another 506 in September under a bank guarantee. However, a fresh detention of 1,000 BYD vehicles has now reignited the controversy.

Customs officials allege that the imported vehicles’ motor capacity was declared lower than its actual value to reduce import duties. The EVOA, however, argues that the lack of a clear verification process is causing unnecessary chaos.

EVOA Convener Deelaka Pitagampola urged the government to intervene immediately and streamline the EV import process, citing the refusal by Customs to accept Manufacturer Certificates and the absence of internationally accredited laboratories to verify motor power as the main causes of the crisis.

“Verification of motor power requires advanced lab facilities. Without such infrastructure, any local inspection will only create further confusion,” Pitagampola said.

He added that while Sri Lankan universities have the expertise, they currently lack the equipment to carry out standardized tests. The EVOA warned that any report issued by a Customs-appointed committee without proper international verification could damage consumer trust and cripple the EV sector.

The association estimates that over 10,000 consumers have purchased electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles in the last six months. However, the uncertainty is discouraging private sector investment in charging stations and service centres, both critical for EV adoption.

Currently, there are around 150 operational EV charging points in Sri Lanka, but the EVOA says the country needs at least 1,000 to meet growing demand and reach its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

“Consumers who have invested in EVs are facing unnecessary hardships. Authorities must act swiftly to resolve this issue,” the EVOA said, warning that some officials may be undermining the EV market under the guise of tax concerns.

The association urged all stakeholders to protect the rights of citizens to purchase affordable electric vehicles and safeguard the nation’s clean energy transition.