By Wasana Nadeeshani Sellahewa
(Commonwealth) _ Sri Lanka has recently made waves in the automotive industry with the introduction of its first electric supercar. This innovative new vehicle, dubbed the Vega EVX, is a testament to Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement. Unlike some of the other electric vehicle projects around the world, Sri Lanka decided to build all the electronic components themselves. In 2023, there has been a growing trend towards electric vehicles due to the lack of fuel supply to Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka has joined the fray with its first electric supercar, the Vega Innovations EVX.
The Vega Innovations EVX is a sleek, low-slung two-seater that boasts a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph) and can go from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 3.1 seconds. It is powered by a 300 kW (402 hp) electric motor and has a range of 300 km (186 miles) on a single charge. The car’s body is made from carbon fiber, making it lightweight and aerodynamic, body panels are made from a sustainable composite material that is lighter and stronger than traditional materials. This not only improves the car’s performance but also reduces its environmental impact and it features a futuristic design with sharp lines and a striking red and black color scheme. The interior is similarly futuristic, with a digital dashboard and a minimalist, uncluttered design.
The Vega Innovations EVX is not just a technological marvel, it is also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional gas-guzzling supercars. Electric vehicles produce zero emissions, making them an important part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. This means they do not release harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, electric vehicles emit less than half the global warming emissions of comparable gasoline-powered vehicles, even when charged from electricity grids that rely heavily on fossil fuels.
The environmental benefits of electric vehicles are even greater when they are powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. As the world transitions to cleaner electricity generation, the carbon footprint of electric vehicles will continue to decrease. Reduced oil consumption: Electric vehicles also have the potential to reduce global oil consumption and improve energy security. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles could displace up to 2.7 million barrels of oil per day by 2030. The cost of electric vehicle batteries has fallen dramatically in recent years, making them increasingly cost-competitive with gasoline-powered vehicles.
The Vega Innovations EVX and other electric vehicles have significant environmental benefits and are a key part of efforts to combat climate change and improve air quality. The car was developed by Vega Innovations, a Sri Lankan tech startup founded in 2013 by Dr. Beshan Kulapala and Harsha Subasinghe. The company started out developing electric racing cars, and the EVX is the result of years of research and development.
The EVX is not just a demonstration of Sri Lanka’s technological capabilities, it is also a symbol of the country’s growing innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Sri Lanka is a small island nation, but it has a thriving tech startup scene, with a growing number of entrepreneurs and innovators working to develop cutting-edge technologies and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.
The Vega Innovations EVX has generated a lot of interest and excitement both in Sri Lanka and around the world. It has been featured in numerous news articles and online videos and has even been showcased at international auto shows. The car is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to drive progress and change, and to the potential for small countries like Sri Lanka to make a big impact on the global stage.
