Gondia district has 3,302 registered electric vehicles, most of them e-two-wheelers
The sub-regional transport office has 3,302 electric vehicles on record in Gondia, but scarce charging facilities and overloaded e-rickshaws are a worry.
The number of electric vehicles in Gondia district is rising. The sub-regional transport office currently has 3,302 electric vehicles registered in the district, including e-two-wheelers, four-wheelers, passenger rickshaws and goods carriers. E-two-wheelers form the largest share.
The use of electric vehicles is being promoted to curb pollution and protect the environment. Rising petrol prices have also pushed ordinary people towards e-vehicles. The cost of two-wheelers and the high price of petrol together are making it hard for the common man to afford a vehicle, so e-vehicles are slowly becoming popular.
The number of electric vehicles in Gondia district has also gone up over the past few months. E-four-wheelers and e-rickshaws can be seen on the roads along with e-two-wheelers. According to the sub-regional transport office's data, the district has 2,018 e-two-wheelers and 410 three-wheeler electric vehicles registered. Their growing use helps reduce dependence on fuel and keep pollution under control.
With petrol priced above Rs 100 a litre, passenger rickshaw drivers are facing financial hardship. A large part of what they earn from carrying passengers goes on fuel. Many drivers are therefore looking at e-rickshaws as an alternative. On a single charge some electric vehicles can run up to 80 km, though the distance varies with the vehicle's capacity and the manufacturer.
People say the inclination to buy electric vehicles grew after new models arrived in the market. The figures suggest this trend has eased somewhat for now. Even so, the number of electric vehicles is increasing every year.
E-vehicles are increasing, but the availability of charging stations remains a major question. In rural areas especially, with no public charging facility, owners have to depend on household electricity. Setting up a charging station requires a power connection, adequate power capacity and basic infrastructure.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles are seen more often around the railway station, bus stand and market areas. However, some vehicles are carrying more passengers than their capacity and traffic rules are being violated, which is a matter of concern. With the growing use of e-vehicles, there is a need to expand charging facilities, ensure safe movement and enforce the rules strictly.
