Driving Sustainability: E-Autos for a Greener Future in Intermediate Public Transport

As India’s cities expand rapidly, urban transportation systems face the twin challenges of pollution and traffic congestion. Among the solutions, transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), especially electric auto-rickshaws (e-autos), stands out as a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Despite several challenges like inadequate charging infrastructure and high upfront costs, the potential of e-autos to drive India’s sustainability efforts is immense. Both the central and state governments have launched proactive policies to encourage the electrification of road vehicles. The recently launched PM E-Drive scheme replaces the earlier FAME I and II schemes, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Auto-rickshaws are a backbone of urban mobility, particularly for first- and last-mile connectivity and medium-distance commutes. They play a crucial role in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune, bridging gaps in public transportation. For instance, in Bengaluru, despite accounting for only 2% of registered vehicles, auto-rickshaws meet 10.4% of the city’s passenger travel demand. Visakhapatnam, an emerging Tier 2 city with a population exceeding 2 million, relies significantly on intermediate public transport (IPT) services, particularly auto-rickshaws. Remarkably, over 1,600 auto-rickshaws were registered in the 2023-24 period alone. However, internal combustion engine (ICE) auto-rickshaws are major contributors to air pollution, emitting significant levels of particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Electrifying these vehicles is essential for reducing pollution and creating cleaner urban spaces.

E-autos offer a sustainable alternative to traditional ICE vehicles, boasting zero tailpipe emissions, making them ideal for congested urban areas. They also provide significant cost savings, with operators reducing fuel and maintenance expenses by approximately 23.57% compared to ICE rickshaws, according to WRI India. Beyond environmental benefits, e-autos contribute to improved public health by reducing pollution-related risks in densely populated cities. Key initiatives are propelling e-auto adoption across India. Delhi's progressive EV policy, for instance, waives registration fees and permits for e-autos, reserving 33% of these permits for women drivers to foster gender equality and enhance passenger safety. In Bengaluru, e-autos are integrated as feeders to metro stations and public transport hubs, effectively alleviating congestion and promoting environmentally friendly commuting options. Concurrently, Pune is prioritizing advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure to facilitate a seamless transition to e-autos, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable future in urban transportation.

The PM E-Drive scheme, launched in October 2024, is a significant push for mass EV adoption across India. It aims to deploy 316,000 electric three-wheelers over the next two years, offering incentives of INR 5,000 per kWh for e-autos registered in FY 2024-25, and INR 2,500 per kWh for those registered in FY 2025-26. Additionally, the scheme includes a comprehensive three-year warranty covering both the vehicle and the battery, along with INR 2,000 crore allocated for developing charging infrastructure. This initiative complements the FAME II policy, which has already supported the adoption of over 500,000 e-three-wheelers in India. State governments like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh have set ambitious targets for transitioning auto-rickshaws to electric, laying a solid foundation for the future.

However, challenges remain in the adoption of e-autos. A significant barrier is the lack of sufficient charging stations across Indian cities, limiting widespread adoption. For example, cities like Chennai have demonstrated that success in EV adoption depends on proactive efforts to install dedicated charging points. Additionally, even with subsidies, the initial cost of purchasing an e-auto can be prohibitive for many drivers who operate on slim profit margins. Limited awareness among drivers, particularly in Tier-II and smaller cities, further complicates the transition, highlighting the need for targeted outreach to bridge this gap.

Despite these challenges, opportunities for scaling e-autos exist. Battery swapping stations could provide a faster alternative to conventional charging, reducing downtime for drivers. Furthermore, states like Tamil Nadu, which draw a significant portion of their electricity from renewable sources, can charge e-autos with clean energy to further reduce their environmental footprint. The EV transition is also expected to create millions of direct and indirect jobs, spanning vehicle manufacturing, battery maintenance, and charging infrastructure development.

In conclusion, the adoption of electric auto-rickshaws is critical for reducing pollution and congestion in Indian cities. While government initiatives like the PM E-Drive scheme are accelerating this transition, challenges such as charging infrastructure and upfront costs must be addressed. With innovative solutions such as battery swapping and renewable energy integration, along with heightened awareness among targeted stakeholders, e-autos are positioned to transform urban mobility, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for India’s cities.

About Emmanuel Neelagiri: Emmanuel Neelgiri, an Urban Planner and Architect with seven years of experience, focuses on clean energy, sustainable transport, and sanitation. As a consultant at TERI's Transport and Urban Governance team, he works with the Vizag Prajamukhi Urban Living Lab (V-PULL), tackling challenges like flood management, waste management, and sustainable mobility through community engagement and innovative solutions. Emmanuel is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promoting resilient, sustainable urban development.