Electric cars are getting more common in Bangladesh now. A few years back, people laughed at the idea, saying the roads are too packed or power cuts are too much. But now, you see Teslas, Toyota hybrids, even small local EVs buzzing around Dhaka, Chattogram, and Sylhet. The big question every EV owner asks:
Where can I charge this thing?
I still remember a guy in Gulshan who told me his first week with an EV was a nightmare. He drove late at night, and the battery dropped to under 10%. No charging station nearby, he ended up leaving the car at a friend’s place and taking a rickshaw home. That panic is real. But if you know the spots, life with an EV in Bangladesh isn’t that scary.
Why Are EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh So Hard to Find?
Let’s be real, Bangladesh is not yet ready like Europe or even India when it comes to EVs. Most fuel stations don’t have charging setups. Power supply issues also make people worry if the chargers will even stay online.
Another issue is that people still don’t talk much about EV charging. Gas and CNG stations are everywhere, but EV owners depend on word of mouth, Facebook groups, or Google Maps. Some stations are open but not updated online.
Where Are EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh Right Now?
Dhaka
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Bashundhara R/A has a couple of charging points inside private complexes.
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Gulshan and Banani are slowly adding chargers in malls and hotels.
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Mirpur side has some setups from small startups.
Chattogram
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Agrabad area has a few chargers near commercial spots.
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Some hotels are putting up chargers for foreign guests.
Sylhet
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Tourists using EVs complain a lot here. One guy shared on a blog that he drove from Dhaka to Sylhet but had to charge at a local workshop for hours. There are just a handful of public chargers.
Highways
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This is still very weak. A few stations on the Dhaka–Chattogram highway claim to offer charging, but many are slow chargers that take hours.
How Do You Actually Find EV Charging Stations?
1. Use Google Maps
Type “EV charging stations in Bangladesh” and some results pop up. But not all are correct. Always call ahead if a phone number is listed.
2. Facebook Groups
There are Bangladeshi EV owner groups where people post updates daily. Someone might write, “Charger down in Mirpur today,” or “new one opened in Dhanmondi mall.”
3. Apps
Right now, there’s no super strong local app, but PlugShare and ChargeMap sometimes show updated stations.
4. Ask at Hotels and Malls
Big hotels in Dhaka are slowly adding charging points. Shopping centers also put them up to attract customers. Even if not advertised, ask the security guard.
What’s the Cost of Charging in Bangladesh?
It depends. Some malls let you charge for free if you shop. Others charge per unit of electricity, which might be around 25–30 taka for a decent amount of charge. A full battery on a normal EV can cost under 800 taka compared to thousands on petrol.
But the main cost is time. Slow chargers take 4–6 hours. Fast chargers can do it in 1 hour, but not many exist here yet.
What Problems Do EV Owners Face in Bangladesh?
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Power cuts: Load shedding makes it hard to trust long charging sessions.
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Few chargers: You can’t just drive anywhere
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without planning.
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Slow charging: Most setups are not “fast charging.”
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Queueing: Some areas have just 1 or 2 chargers, so you may wait.
A story I heard from Uttara: two guys almost fought at midnight because both cars were on low battery, and there was only one charger working. This kind of stress is normal now.
What’s the Future of EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh?
The government has announced plans for more stations on highways and in major cities. BPDB and some private companies are working on pilot projects.
Also, rooftop solar charging stations are being tested. A few in Rajshahi already use solar panels to power small EVs. That could be the game-changer because it skips the whole load-shedding problem.
Should You Buy an EV Now or Wait?
If you live in Dhaka or Chattogram and drive mostly within the city, it makes sense now. You’ll save money on fuel and enjoy smooth rides. But if you do highway trips often, it’s still risky. Charging outside the main cities is weak.
One neighbor in Banani said he saves more than 20,000 taka a month on fuel after switching to an EV. But he never drives outside Dhaka because he doesn’t trust the chargers on highways. That’s the reality today.
Final Thoughts
Finding EV charging stations in Bangladesh is still a bit like treasure hunting. You need to plan, ask around, and sometimes just take a risk. But the network is growing, and every few months, new chargers show up.
If you’re thinking of getting an EV, don’t let fear stop you. Just be ready for some extra planning. And if you already own one, join online groups, share your charging stories, and help others. That’s how the EV community here will grow.
Also Read: Portable Monitor
FAQs
Who is the cheapest EV charging station?
Right now in Bangladesh, many shopping malls and hotels let you plug in for free if you’re a customer. Some smaller stations charge only the basic electricity rate, which makes them the cheapest. The cost is usually way less than filling a petrol tank.
What country has the most EV charging stations?
China is way ahead of everyone else. They have millions of chargers, both slow and fast, spread across cities and highways. That’s one reason EV growth there has been so quick.
Which EV is free charging?
Some car companies offer free charging for the first year if you buy a new car. But in Bangladesh, free charging usually comes from malls or hotels that give it as a bonus to shoppers or guests. There isn’t one single EV model that always gets free charging here.
Is an electric car legal in Bangladesh?
Yes, electric cars are legal. You can register them like other vehicles, drive them in Dhaka or Chattogram, and pay taxes. The challenge isn’t legality, it’s the lack of proper charging spots and awareness.
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