Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Apr 16: The demand for electric vehicles is increasing in Dakshina Kannada in the wake of skyrocketing fuel prices. The sales of electric vehicles has doubled in the past three to four months.

In 2019, there were 50 electric vehicles. In 2020, the number crossed 100. As of now there are 2,000 electric vehicles including two wheeler, three wheeler goods vehicle, auto rickshaw and cars. According to the information available there are 1,484 two wheelers, 138 cars, 323 auto rickshaws and 13 goods vehicles running around in the city.

Mostly, two wheeler riders and auto rickshaw owners are getting attracted towards the electric vehicles due to the rising price of diesel and petrol. The only drawback is the lack of charging stations in the city.

Survey is done from Mescom's end to start charging stations. However, they have still not started functioning. In the last assembly session, minister Sunil Kumar had promised to establish 1,000 charging stations throughout Karnataka.

At present, there is only one auto rickshaw charging station in the city at Forum Fiza mall. It takes around four hours to charge an auto rickshaw. Once charged the auto rickshaw can run for 120 km.

The charging station at Forum mall is completely digital. Those who want to charge vehicles can do so by downloading the app and scanning QR code and making the payment. At present Rs 20 is the price for every unit. This unit is run in agreement with a private company. At present there are three points. In the month of May, a DC charging unit will be installed. Through this, a vehicle can be charged within 30 to 45 minutes.