Ambitious electric vehicle project under consideration in Zhodino, Shklov District

ZHODINO, 21 July (BelTA) – There are plans to implement a pilot project, which envisages switching urban public transport to electric vehicles in the city of Zhodino and Shklov District, BelTA learned from Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko on 21 July.

The prime minister visited the Zhodino-based electric bus assembly enterprise of the Belarusian automobile manufacturer MAZ. Roman Golovchenko was informed about the state and prospects of this manufacturing division. After that the head of government hosted a conference at premises of the Zhodino City Executive Committee to discuss the realization of a pilot project, which envisages switching the mass transit system in Zhodino and Shklov District to electric vehicles and creating the relevant infrastructure.

Roman Golovchenko said: “It is quite a new matter for our country. It is a serious step on the way to transition to mass usage of electric vehicles not only in large cities. It is a significant task for the country's economy. It has many dimensions, including the ecological and social ones. We have all the necessary competences for it. We now make our own electric vehicles. There are even several manufacturers. Manufacturing cooperation has been established. The electric vehicle charging infrastructure has been created and is developing. It will be a shame not to use it. Particularly considering the fact that Belarus is a world leader in the development of passenger electric transport. We can make electrobuses, hybrid types of electric vehicles, and should learn how to use them effectively.”

In his words, the relevant draft resolution of the Council of Ministers on realizing the pilot project has been submitted. “But there is still a number of matters I'd like to discuss before making the corresponding decision. And I would like to hear answers to some questions today. What goals do we intend to accomplish? What is the source of funding? What work needs to be done to prepare the power grid? What are the reasons behind the proposal to choose two manufacturers? You suggest using passenger electric vehicles made by MAZ in one population center and vehicles made by BKM Holding in another one. How was the economic effectiveness of the project's realization calculated? It is understandable that the project largely targets the external audience. We intend to demonstrate the possibility of realization of this model of urban passenger electric transport to potential buyers. But you have to understand the benefits you will get. What effect for the development of the urban environment do you expect?” the prime minister formulated some questions. Results of the discussion will be revealed later.

MAZ Deputy Commercial Director for Passenger Vehicles Sales Vladimir Dormash explained details of the new project for reporters. “We are not simply talking about a certain number of electrobuses for the city. An individual line will be created and operated solely by electrobuses. Essentially it will be a litmus test. At present Belarus' oblast capitals have at least one MAZ electrobus but it is impossible to calculate how much energy it saves because the electrobuses are integrated either into the network of bus lines or the network of trolleybus lines. Once a dedicated line starts operating, it will be clear right away how much energy electrobuses use, what expenses need to be covered for operating this kind of transport. We already see that it is more profitable than a trolleybus with an autonomous range and more profitable than a bus powered by diesel fuel. But the project will allow confirming it with concrete figures,” the executive pointed out.

MAZ believes electric vehicles to be a very promising area. “Our country has good prerequisites for the development of this area. The Belarusian nuclear power plant is one of them. I think it will be more effective to roll out electric transport in an integrated fashion. This is why if this project starts working and proves its benefits in Zhodino, it will be possible to adopt the same approach in Minsk, too. And we may even consider full transition of the capital city to electric vehicles,” Vladimir Dormash shared the ambitious plans.

In his words, the project provides for shipping the entire batch of electrobuses in one go in order to put them to use right away. “Over the course of the year after seeing how the vehicles perform in summer and winter we will be able to make conclusions and model how electric vehicle will be able to operate in larger cities,” the MAZ representative added.