By Raj Moorthy
Sri Lanka is on the cusp of an exciting motoring revolution. Much like the journey rooftop solar took, from cautious curiosity to confident investment, the nation’s vehicle market is now embracing a bold and promising shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). Against a global backdrop of fuel supply disruptions and pump prices climbing to unprecedented levels, this transition is expected to gain rapid momentum, delivering tangible benefits to both the environment and the wider economy.
Two of Sri Lanka’s most prominent players driving this charge are Hayleys Solar and Hayleys Mobility, sister companies under Hayleys Fentons Limited, whose combined expertise in vehicle distribution and renewable energy is uniquely positioning them to shape the country’s EV future.
Speaking to Sunday Times Business, Roshani Dharmaratne, Executive Director of Hayleys Mobility, painted an optimistic picture of a market evolving at pace. “Compared to the past five years, there has been a marked increase in new EV brands and designs, reflecting the diversification and maturation of the EV market,” she said. “Consumer priorities, cost, after-sales service, and environmental considerations, are increasingly driving vehicle selection.”
Hayleys Mobility has responded decisively to this shift. The company has launched more than four vehicle models in recent months, comprising a comprehensive lineup spanning pure electric vehicles (EVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).
This breadth of choice is deliberate: whilst pure EVs suit urban commuters and those with home charging access, PHEVs and HEVs offer a practical bridge for buyers in areas where charging infrastructure is still being developed. The range is engineered for long-range driving and meaningfully reduced running costs across all fuel types. The commercial segment has not been overlooked either, with the addition of electric variants of a 1.5-tonne truck, a cargo van and a nine-seater passenger van to its portfolio.
On the critical question of charging infrastructure, Ms. Dharmaratne highlighted that Hayleys Mobility has partnered with Star Charge, a global leader in EV charging technology from China, to provide chargers ranging from 7 kW to 720 kW.
The broader case for EV adoption, Ms. Dharmaratne argued, rests on several converging factors: rising environmental awareness, the urgent need to reduce energy costs, and a desire to move away from dependence on imported fossil fuels. Long warranties and advanced battery safety technologies, she noted, are also tipping more buyers towards brand-new EVs rather than used vehicles. Consumer education remains key, with test drives and first-hand experiences playing an essential role in converting interest into purchase decisions.
Where Hayleys Solar enters the picture is compelling. Roshane Perera, Executive Director and CEO of Hayleys Solar, made a striking case for the synergy between solar power and electric mobility. “If solar power is used to charge an electric vehicle, the energy cost per kilometre falls to less than Rs. 1, significantly lower than running a conventional vehicle on fuel,” he explained. This figure underscores the transformative potential of pairing rooftop solar with an EV. Households that have already invested in a solar system can, in effect, drive almost for free using energy generated from their own roof.
Perera also pointed to the lower maintenance burden of EVs as a compelling financial argument. With an eight-year battery warranty, and batteries increasingly expected to last 12 to 15 years, alongside fewer moving parts and no engine servicing requirements, the total cost of ownership for an EV compares very favourably over time, he said.
Hayleys Mobility is the exclusive authorised distributor of JAECOO & OMODA, and SRM vehicles in Sri Lanka, and an authorised distributor of KAIYI vehicles. Underpinning its entire portfolio is a robust after-sales infrastructure built to inspire long-term confidence. The company provides full manufacturer warranties, certified after-sales support with factory-certified mechanics, and 24/7 roadside assistance, backed by a spare parts inventory valued at over Rs. 1 billion. It has also formalised partnerships with several leading financial institutions, offering customers greater flexibility when financing their purchases.
Together, Hayleys Mobility and Hayleys Solar represent a joined-up vision for sustainable transport in Sri Lanka, one that connects the vehicle on the driveway to the panels on the rooftop, and ultimately to a cleaner, more energy-independent future. As Sri Lanka’s motoring landscape shifts gear, both companies appear well placed to lead the charge.
Contact Information
Hayleys Mobility:
Website: www.hayleysmobility.com
Hotline: 0112 222 222
Hayleys Solar:
Website: www.hayleyssolar.com
Hotline: 0112 102 102
