Two electric cars to be purchased for highway patrol

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tenders have been invited for the purchase of two electric cars for the Highway Patrol Division of the Police. The cost is Rs 32.95 lakh. E-cars are being purchased on trial basis instead of petrol-diesel vehicles older than 15 years. This is part of the e-mobility scheme of the central and state governments to avoid heavy liability including fuel cost.

At present, the Highway Police has about three dozen vehicles. But many vehicles are not suitable for travel due to being old and restless service. If the trial is successful, more e-vehicles will be purchased, including for stations. At the same time, there are concerns that the lack of widespread charging stations and the longer charging time will backfire on the Highway Patrol team, which has to rush to the scene of an emergency.