THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The sales of electric vehicles in Kerala increased by 13.66 percent this year. Last year, it was 6.28 percent. Kerala is way ahead of other states in the sales of electric vehicles. Registration of e-vehicles in the state has crossed one lakh. E-vehicles have overtaken diesel vehicles in sales to gain second position.
39,588 e-vehicles hit the road in the state in 2022. However, 35,072 e-vehicles hit the road in the last six months. Most of these are two-wheelers - 29634 and cars - 5437. KSRTC has introduced 110 e-buses. It will purchase 53 more e-buses as part of the Smart City project. In addition, 200 e-buses will be available under the central project. The Department of Motor Vehicles also bought 70 e-cars.
The e-vehicle sector has been boosted by government subsidies and fuel price hikes. There is a subsidy of Rs 30,000 for buying e-autos. Also, there is a subsidy of Rs 15,000 to convert diesel autos into e-vehicles by attaching batteries and motors.
In 2018, the state government announced the e-vehicle policy. The government is also considering the establishment of electric vehicle zones (EV zones) in the state. However, the main challenge is the lack of charging stations. KSEB is trying to set up a charger system at electric poles across the state. According to the Motor Vehicles Department, there are 1.67 crore vehicles in the state. Of this, 1.09 crore are two-wheelers.
E-Vehicle cross one lakh