Coimbatore: City has recorded a 205% increase in the sale of electric vehicles (e-vehicle) in just the first eight months of this year, when the four regional transportation offices (RTO) in the city together registered 512 of these vehicles, against 186 in 12 months in the year 2020.
A regional transportation officer said it was generally looking for an alternative transportation system, because they did not want to travel with public transportation packed during a pandemic.
“This, coupled with the increase in fuel prices, has helped sell electronic vehicles to touch new highs.” Other factors, the officer said, which changed the mindset of the people to electronic vehicles was technological advancement, which had increased the average electric vehicle drive circuit with a fully charging battery, and the availability of filling points.
In accordance with the data available with the Department of Transportation, 412 two-wheeled vehicles registered at RTOS Coimbatore North, South, West and Central in the city until August 31 this year, compared to 150 during January-December, 2020.
Electric car sales have also recorded growth 161 % During that period.
While only 36 electric cars sold in the city last year, 94 e-cars were sold until the end of August this year.
V R Sailaaja, a resident of pelalamedu, is one of the residents who choose two-wheeled vehicles.
“I used to travel to my workplace near Saranlatur on a city bus.
I stopped the bus trip after the Covid-19 outbreak and my husband began to drop me in his bicycle.
When he decided to buy a two-wheeled vehicle for me recently, I left for e-scooter, “he told Toi.
Given his visit to the vehicle showroom in the city to get a quote, Sailaja said many e-scooter options are available now with various price ranges, depending on the average driving distance and other facilities.
Dealers say electronic vehicles with 250 watt motorbikes and 25kmph’s top speed does not require registration with the Department of Transportation.
“Driving permit is also not needed to encourage the vehicle.
There is a request for vehicles in this range and a higher range that requires registration.
Therefore, the number of actual electronics sold this year is higher than the numbers available with RTOS, “said a dealer.
The e-Vehicle manufacturer also reveals the same view.
One of them says most of the vehicles sold are not registered.
“Number of electronic vehicles that are not registered on the road 10 times higher than registered.” C Sathyachandran, the owner of Wagon Wheelz, said the e-vehicles were preferred by men and women.
“Apart from the daily commuter office, those involved in a broad trip such as food and marketing people also use e-vehicles, because they find them economical.
They bring additional batteries with them.
The market is also mature now and offers a variety of vehicles.” Managers Other vehicle showrooms say there are many charging points in the city, especially in the mall.
“If more charging points will appear, sales will be sudden.” Dealers say they also get questions about electric tricycle vehicles for commercial transportation that have reached the market recently.