Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (RUET) has launched an affordable electric vehicle (EV) service for female students to ease campus transportation amid the ongoing energy crisis. The service officially began on Monday, funded by the university’s research sector. The EV was developed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering under a University Grants Commission–funded research project led by Professor Dr. Shahjada Mahmudul Hasan and inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. S. M. Abdur Razzak.

The initiative follows reduced diesel bus trips that had caused travel difficulties for students. Each vehicle costs about 500,000 to 600,000 taka to produce, significantly less than similar EVs used at other universities, which cost up to 1.8 million taka. Initially, the service will operate every 20 minutes for female students traveling between hostels and key campus points.

RUET officials stated that the project promotes research-based learning and practical experience. They plan to expand the service for all students if additional funding becomes available, aiming to establish a sustainable and modern campus transport system.