Maharashtra to promote e-vehicles

e-vehiclesMoving towards Smart Mobility, the Maharashtra Government has decided to push the use of electric bikes for delivery of food and other goods, so that pollution can also be checked.

The State Government plans to come out with an elaborate policy on promoting e-vehicles in Mumbai region and soon a notification will also be issued.

In the beginning, the focus will be on the fast-food joints, restaurants, hotels and those running mobile apps and online marketing portals to use electric bikes for deliveries.

“We want to minimise emissions and reduce pollution on roads. The Union government has emphasised a mass shift for electric vehicles in 2030 and Maharashtra will be among the leading states in making this possible,” said a senior official from Mantralaya.

More than 23, 000 electric two-wheelers have been sold in India last financial year. It is estimated that by the end of this financial year, more than 36,000 e-vehicles will be sold in the country.

The entry of new models of e-bikes could help bring down the cost of battery technology. The cost of an e-bike (100cc) could be anywhere Rs 35,000-50,000,  while one can ride 70-100km on a single charge.