Transport Minister for retrofitting of autos with electric motors
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Tuesday urged automobile manufacturers to explore retrofitting existing autorickshaws with electric motors as a key step towards sustainable urban mobility.
Speaking at the launch of Bajaj's electric three-wheeler, GOGO, he proposed a scheme to replace internal combustion engines (ICE) with battery-powered motors alongside an exchange programme for old vehicles.
The Minister congratulated Bajaj Auto for its foray into the electric three-wheeler market and suggested that the company take the lead in developing retrofitting solutions. He noted that permissions for autorickshaws running on CNG, LPG, and electric power are in the pipeline, reflecting the government's commitment to greener transport alternatives.
Mr. Prabhakar said that under the leadership of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the State government has introduced a zero-tax policy on electric vehicles to EV incentivise adoption. He said the sale of electric vehicles in the State is steadily increasing.
As part of Telangana's broader environmental agenda, the Minister said efforts are underway to ensure that all public transport vehicle owners operating within Hyderabad's Outer Ring Road opt for electric power in order to curb pollution levels.
Describing Bajaj's electric three-wheeler as a vehicle developed after extensive research and development, he emphasised its potential to set new benchmarks in the segment.
Addressing concerns over a perceived drop in autorickshaw demand by passengers following the introduction of the Mahalakshmi Scheme that provides free bus rides for women, he clarified that such perceptions are misplaced. He pointed out that autorickshaws remain crucial for last-mile connectivity, transporting passengers from bus stops and metro stations to their homes.
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