Kerala's e-mobility programme paves way for electric future

Fuel prices in the country might be going through the roof, but for the citizens of Kerala, there is good news. The state government is now encouraging the use of cost-effective, pollutant-free plug-in electric vehicles to say goodbye to expensive internal combustion engines, thereby preserving the environment. So, if you think gasoline cars are no longer affordable owing to the skyrocketing fuel prices, you can think of buying an electric vehicle, and the state government would be glad to help you out.

Titled the e-mobility programme, the government aims to fight pollution by rolling out the environment-friendly substitute for fossil fuels. As part of the campaign, the State Government Departments are encouraged to switch to electrical vehicles (EVs) from Petrol or Diesel cars which are taken on lease or hired for official purpose.

Recently, Tata Motors has delivered the first lot of 65 EVs to the motor vehicle department of Kerala as part of 'Safe Kerala' road safety initiative rolled out in connection with e-mobility project. Of the 60, the Indian automobile giant has handed over 45 Nexons to the state, and the remaining will be handed over soon. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and Agency for New and Renewable Energy Research and Technology (ANERT) are part of the venture.

Kerala, an ecologically sensitivities state with biodiversity and tourist attractions, wants to maintain its ecological features and ensure a sustainable development for its people. With the first-of-its-kind initiative, Kerala looks to switch to electric vehicles as a natural choice in line with its developmental ambitions. ANERT will unveil e-vehicles and charging stations across the state to achieve the e-mobility goal.

Neem-G electric auto

The state will export Kerala Neem G auto rickshaws, made by public-run Kerala Automobiles Limited (KAL), to Nepal. In future, the state is planning to sell the autos to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kenya. It has shipped the first batch of the 25 eco-friendly electric vehicles to Nepal from the KAL plant at Aralumoodu, near Thiruvananthapuram. The battery was made using the German technology and can be charged in three hours and 55 minutes. The auto can be using a three-pin plug in households too.

E-autos to mothers of differently abled

In a recent Facebook post, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced free e-autos to the mothers of the differently abled people belonging to poor financial backgrounds in the state. In the first phase, two vehicles each will be distributed in all the districts.

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