Kolkata’s transition to electric autos is gathering momentum even without a major policy push, with lower running and maintenance costs
Across these surveyed routes for which both total and electric-auto numbers were available, 118 of 598 autos surveyed were electric — around 19.7%. Drivers interviewed for the study said a full electric charge typically costs Rs 50-70, against Rs 300-400 for an LPG refill. An electric auto bought for around Rs 4.65 lakh could recover its cost in about one year and five months under the modelled assumptions. With Rs 50,000 paid upfront and the balance financed, the estimated payback period rises to around one year and eight months.
Kolkata: Kolkata’s transition to electric autos is gathering momentum even without a major policy push, with lower running and maintenance costs emerging as the biggest incentive for drivers to make the switch, according to a field study by Sustainable Mobility Network. Aditi Kundu of Sustainable Mobility Network said, “The study’s payback calculations showed the higher purchase price could be recovered quickly through operating savings. Bengal urban development and municipal affairs junior minister Umesh Rai said, “Electric vehicles are the future.
The report, Accelerating the Electric Transition of Kolkata’s Para-transit System, found sizeable electric-auto presence on seven routes. They also cited lower maintenance costs as electric autos do away with engine oil, clutch and conventional gearbox-related servicing. Please share the practical issues, we are there to help.”