Electric rickshaws are gaining popularity in Darbhanga, with around 200 being sold each month. These eco-friendly vehicles are not only cheaper to run, with a battery charge costing just 20 rupees, but they are also half the price of natural gas-powered rickshaws. As a result, companies like Reliance Industries are converting their cargo vehicles from gas to electric, and food delivery services are also making the switch as quickly as possible.
Chetan Maini, whose company Sun Mobility builds charging infrastructure, reports that business is growing fast as battery prices drop and the cost of electric two- and three-wheelers decreases. Balaji Motors, a dealer in Darbhanga, estimates that within two years, electric rickshaws will dominate the streets of the town, which has a population of 300,000 people.
Despite the bustling soundscape of Darbhanga, with loud music, honking horns, and sputtering engines, electric rickshaws like the one driven by Mr. Rai are becoming a rarity. However, passengers like retired teacher Satyen Vir Jha are delighted by the quieter, more environmentally friendly option.
The rise of electric rickshaws is part of a broader trend in India as the country seeks to combat pollution and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. With the affordability and efficiency of electric vehicles improving, it’s likely that we will see more and more of these green alternatives on the streets of Indian towns and cities in the near future.
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