Indian Government Delays 10,000 Electric Vehicle Roll-Out — Lack Of Electric Charging Stations

These electric vehicles were supposed to replace petrol and diesel cars by June 2018. However, the government has delayed this plan for an additional one year. The reason for the switch was to help reduce emission levels.

The government-owned, Energy Efficiency Services Ltd. (EESL) had announced a tender for 10,000 EVs in September 2017. Tata Motors and Mahindra won the tender for supply of electric vehicles. As part of the plan, they would roll-out 500 cars by November, with the rest by June 2018.

Currently, only 150 vehicles are in operation in New Delhi, with another 100 in Andhra Pradesh. According to officials, the main reason for the low numbers is due to the lack of charging stations. Currently, there are just 200 charging stations for these cars, out of which close to 100 are in the national capital.

Bids for construction of electric charging stations have failed to receive positive responses. This has been one of the biggest hurdles for the government. However, they have still gone ahead and floated another tender. EESL, in March, floated a second tender for an additional 10,000 electric cars.

The main reason for the shift to electric vehicles by the government is to reduce the emission levels in the country. While also reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. This is one of the most expensive commodity to be imported into the country.

Thoughts On Delay In 10,000 EV Roll-Out By Government

The push for electric vehicles in the country comes directly from the Prime Minister's administration. With a target to replace 30 percent of the cars used by officials with electric vehicles, by 2030.