The official local agent of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD in Sri Lanka on Sunday advertised a plug-in hybrid version instead of a full EV that is subject to an ongoing customs inquiry.

The official agent, John Keells CG Auto, said Sealion 5, BYD’s plug-in hybrid version, is different from Atto, the full EV.

The agent is alleged to have paid low customs tariffs for EV car imports and has been facing the customs inquiry since the end of July.

In the prolonged delay to settle the customs tariff dispute, where around 2,000 cars are being held, the agents this weekend advertised to sell Sealion 5, which are powered by a 1500 cc plug-in hybrid.

The company sources said the October deliveries of EVs have been stopped, and the customers would be allowed refunds while offering t

See Full Page