Latest news with #FasterAdoptionandManufacturingofElectricVehiclesinIndia
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
BMTC's e-bus woes: Green on paper, but grounded on roads
When BMTC set out to electrify its fleet, the move was hailed as a leap towards cleaner, greener mobility. But a few years into this transition, the shine has dulled. Frequent breakdowns have left the city's electric buses struggling to stay on the road, raising questions over the viability of Karnataka's ambitious green mobility push. Fresh BMTC data reveals a steep rise in e-bus failures. Of 645 breakdowns reported in 2024-25, 577 involved e-buses - a 36-fold spike from just 16 cases the previous year. Diesel buses, once notorious for leaving passengers stranded, accounted for only 68 cases. The contrast could not be sharper. For years, BMTC had managed to keep breakdowns low, recording 36 cases in 2022-23 and 53 in 2023-24. But with the expansion of its electric fleet, troubles mounted. The breakdown rate, which stood at zero per 10,000km for three straight years, has now climbed to 0.02%. Nearly nine of every 10 buses failing on city roads this year have been electric. BMTC officials argue that the sudden surge in failures is largely because of the weather. "The increase in cases is due to rain and related conditions that caused electric and battery problems," a BMTC spokesperson said. "Most e-buses are under contract, so their maintenance is not directly under BMTC." The corporation has deployed mobile vans with 2-3 mechanics each across its seven zones to tackle on-road failures. These units rush to stranded buses to restore service. Despite such measures, the numbers remain stark: BMTC logged more breakdowns in 2024-25 than in the previous five years combined. Fleet built on speed BMTC's journey with electric mobility began cautiously in late 2021 but gathered pace in 2023, aided by Centre's support under FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) II and Smart City schemes. After Aug 2022, the corporation introduced 300 buses under FAME II. By Sept 2024, the fleet crossed the 1,000 mark, and just a month later, it reached 1,027, with hundreds more lined up. In July this year, BMTC rolled out 148 non-AC buses, pushing its electric fleet close to 1,500 vehicles. But rapid expansion has brought mounting stress. BMTC operates most of these buses under gross cost contracts, with maintenance largely outsourced. Still, when buses stall mid-route, it is BMTC staff and city commuters who bear the brunt. Traffic police, too, are worried. Stalled buses, they say, often choke traffic and create hazards. "When an e-bus breaks down in the middle of a junction, it creates chaos and sometimes accidents," said a traffic cop. Frustration builds in depots A senior driver with more than 20 years of service said: "Earlier, it was mostly diesel buses that troubled us. But now, almost every week an e-bus on my route breaks down. After the launch of the Shakti scheme, funds have been tighter. We wait weeks for genuine parts. Driving buses with faulty suspension or batteries also hurts our health - many of us suffer back and shoulder pain." Mechanics, conductors, and drivers say maintenance woes lie at the heart of the crisis when it comes to diesel buses. Spare parts are hard to come by, they claim, and shrinking budgets force depots to improvise with substandard replacements. "Whenever buses fail, the depot requests spares from the central office, but the standard reply is that parts are unavailable," said a conductor who has been with BMTC since 2012. "So, mechanics are forced to use cheaper substitutes. These don't last, and within days the same bus breaks down again. Passengers get stranded, tempers flare, and sometimes we even face safety risks on the road."
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
BMTC's e-bus woes: Green on paper, but grounded on roads
Bengaluru: When Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) set out to electrify its fleet, the move was hailed as a leap towards cleaner, greener mobility. But a few years into this transition, the shine has dulled. Frequent breakdowns have left the city's electric buses struggling to stay on the road, raising questions over the viability of Karnataka's ambitious green mobility push. Fresh BMTC data reveals a steep rise in e-bus failures. Of 645 breakdowns reported in 2024-25, 577 involved electric buses — a 36-fold spike from just 16 cases the previous year. Diesel buses, once notorious for leaving passengers stranded, accounted for only 68 cases. The contrast could not be sharper. For years, BMTC had managed to keep breakdowns low, recording 36 cases in 2022-23 and 53 in 2023-24. But with the expansion of its electric fleet, troubles mounted. The breakdown rate, which stood at zero per 10,000km for three straight years, has now climbed to 0.02%. Nearly nine of every 10 buses failing on city roads this year have been electric. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru | Gold Rates Today in Bengaluru | Silver Rates Today in Bengaluru Bad weather, poor roads BMTC officials argue that the sudden surge in failures is largely because of the weather. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo "The increase in cases is due to rain and related conditions that caused electric and battery problems," a BMTC spokesperson said. "Most e-buses are under contract, so their maintenance is not directly under BMTC." The corporation has deployed "mobile vans" with 2-3 mechanics each across its seven zones to tackle on-road failures. These rapid-response units rush to stranded buses to restore service. Despite such measures, the numbers remain stark: BMTC logged more breakdowns in 2024-25 than in the previous five years combined. A fleet built on speed BMTC's journey with electric mobility began cautiously in late 2021 but gathered pace in 2023, aided by Centre's support under FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India) II and Smart City schemes. After Aug 2022, the corporation introduced 300 buses under FAME II. By Sept 2024, the fleet crossed the 1,000 mark, and just a month later, it reached 1,027, with hundreds more lined up. In July this year, BMTC rolled out 148 non-AC buses, pushing its electric fleet close to 1,500 vehicles. But rapid expansion has brought mounting stress. BMTC operates most of these buses under gross cost contracts (GCCs), with maintenance largely outsourced. Still, when buses stall mid-route, it is BMTC staff and city commuters who bear the brunt. Traffic police, too, are worried. Stalled buses, they say, often choke traffic and create hazards. "When an e-bus breaks down in the middle of a junction, it creates chaos and sometimes accidents," said a traffic cop. Inside depots, frustration builds A senior driver with more than 20 years of service said: "Earlier, it was mostly diesel buses that troubled us. But now, almost every week an e-bus on my route breaks down. After the launch of the Shakti scheme, funds have been tighter. We wait weeks for genuine parts. Driving buses with faulty suspension or batteries also hurts our health — many of us suffer back and shoulder pain." Mechanics, conductors, and drivers say maintenance woes lie at the heart of the crisis when it comes to diesel buses. Spare parts are hard to come by, they claim, and shrinking budgets force depots to improvise with substandard replacements. "Whenever buses fail, the depot requests spares from the central office, but the standard reply is that parts are unavailable," said a conductor who has been with BMTC since 2012. "So, mechanics are forced to use cheaper substitutes. These don't last, and within days the same bus breaks down again. Passengers get stranded, tempers flare, and sometimes we even face safety risks on the road." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Tesla finalizes location of first store in major new market: 'We expect Tesla's entry ... to be slow and measured'
Tesla will open its first store in India following a successful meeting between CEO Elon Musk and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to Teslarati, the new Tesla showroom will occupy a 4,000-square-foot space in Mumbai's Bandra Kurla Complex. The five-year lease will cost Tesla about $40,100 monthly (Rs 35 lakh). Tesla also plans to open a second showroom in New Delhi eventually. India is on track to become the world's most populous country, according to the International Energy Agency. The nation's growing population and economy have downsides, including significant carbon emissions and air pollution. Road transport creates 12% of India's energy-related carbon pollution. However, the demand for personal mobility only grows. Road transport pollution could double by 2050 if the country stays on this path. Tesla's presence in India would make purchasing an electric vehicle over a gas-powered one easier for citizens. The EV market in India is in its infancy, and Tesla's sales have been slumping worldwide, so the company is likely hoping this Tesla location could catalyze a vehicle revolution in the country that could help its sales, and if so, it could undeniably lead to a substantial decrease in the country's carbon pollution. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India scheme will help consumers. It provides purchase incentives, coupons, interest subventions, road tax and registration fee exemptions, income tax benefits, and more for EV owners. The country has also worked to set up charging station infrastructure. Between the new Tesla showroom and the ample government incentives, EVs could soon be the norm in India. This would mean cleaner air for all Indian citizens and the world. India is the third-largest contributor to pollution, behind China and the United States, so its shift toward EVs would be a win for the planet and all people. BNP Paribas, a French multinational universal bank and financial services holding company, commented on Tesla's move. The company's research suggests that Tesla will have to lower its price point to succeed in India. According to CNBC, BNP Paribas said, "We expect Tesla's entry into India to be slow and measured, given the low average price point in the market." But GlobalData's Ammar Master said, "With the current momentum, we project that Passenger BEV sales in India will reach 1 million units by 2030, accounting for 20% of total sales." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
