EVMS: The Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Society (EVMS), which are represents over the 200 EV makers, including many MSMEs, also held a press conference today at the Press Club of India. They spoke about the two big problems in India’s electric vehicle sector: the large number of illegal e-rickshaws and the rise in low-quality imported in EVs. The session was also led by Shri Rajiv Tulli, General Secretary of EVMS and a senior expert with over 25 years of industry experience. He called for the quick government action, clear rules, and joint efforts from all involved to solve these problems.
E-rickshaws have played a major role in India’s shift to eco-friendly transport. There are now over 50 lakh (5 million) e-rickshaws running across the whole country, supported by nearly 500 small and medium manufacturers. These vehicles have also provided both environmental and economic benefits to the nation.
EVMS: E-rickshaws have been brought big environmental and economic benefits to India. They travel over 1 billion eco-friendly kilometers every day, helping save nearly 4 lakh metric tonnes of carbon emissions—equal to planting 2 billion trees. By replacing 98% of manual paddle rickshaws, they save about 50 million litres of petrol daily, helping reduce India’s fuel imports. The e-rickshaw sector has also created over 50 lakh direct jobs and 75 lakh indirect jobs, especially in small towns and rural areas, offering income to many underprivileged communities. Affordable and efficient, e-rickshaws have become a trusted last-mile transport option for millions and play an important role in connecting people to metro stations in cities.
However, misunderstandings about e-rickshaws still exist. The Electric Vehicle Manufacturers Society (EVMS) clarified that most safety concerns come from illegal and unregistered e-rickshaws, not the approved ones. Legal e-rickshaws are tested and certified by authorized agencies before being allowed on roads. The real issues, like traffic problems and safety risks, are mostly caused by non-compliant vehicles made or modified without following safety rules. EVMS is working with authorities to carry out fitness checks and to remove such illegal vehicles from the roads.
These illegal e-rickshaws often run without registration, number plates, or proper chassis numbers. Many of these are converted from old paddle rickshaws and do not meet safety standards. They lack compliance plates, insurance, and use cheap, untested parts. With no roadworthiness approval, these vehicles are risky for passengers and damage the image of the e-rickshaw sector.
Also Read: New Tata Nexon: Comfort-Packed SUV at an Affordable Price
