Meeting with retrofitment companies to convert autos into EVs

The Government of Telangana is taking steps to promote an environment-friendly transport system and achieve the goal of net-zero emissions. In this regard, the Transport Department has initiated consultations with electric retrofitment companies. In this context, meetings were held on Monday with companies engaged in electric retrofitment of three-wheeler vehicles. The first meeting was chaired by the Transport Commissioner of Telangana, Dr. K. Ilambarithi and the second meeting was chaired by Special Chief Secretary, Transport, Roads and Buildings Department Vikas Raj.

During the meetings, discussions were held with retrofitment companies regarding the proposed policy to convert the existing petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws operating in the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR) into electric vehicles using electric kits. The discussions covered technical standards, safety regulations, certification procedures, cost structure, battery technologies (both swappable and fixed battery systems), and implementation modalities. The retrofitment companies stated that this initiative would help reduce air pollution, lower operating costs for auto drivers, and improve air quality in urban areas.

As per the directions of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, the government is formulating a policy to encourage the conversion of petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws into electric vehicles. Under the proposed program, the Government is examining the possibility of providing financial assistance for converting petrol and diesel auto-rickshaws into electric kits. The objective is to accelerate the expansion of a sustainable urban transport system in urban areas.