The development, though modest in terms of absolute numbers, marks a significant policy shift towards zero-emission vehicles.
So far this year, a total of 844 autos have been replaced for having crossed the 15-year limit on commercial vehicles. Of these, 33 were battery-operated and 132 CNG-powered.
Although charging facilities are still at a rudimentary stage in the city, a certain section of auto operators — despite initial reluctance — are finding the blue-coloured e-autos a lucrative proposition in the long run because of low operating costs, said an officer of the Public Vehicles Department, which acts as the Regional Transport Office for the city’s core area. “As a result, e-autos are being preferred,” he added.
Most of the city’s nearly 24,000-strong fleet of autos are LPG-powered. The transition to cleaner fuel began in 2008, when HC banned two-stroke petrol autos, mandating their replacement with four-stroke LPG ones. This move significantly improved air quality, as many petrol autos were running on adulterated fuel (kata tel).
Kolkata uniquely allows only autos, not e-rickshaws, as three-wheelers. When 15-year-old autos were scrapped, operators were offered three fuel options: LPG, CNG, and electric. While LPG and CNG were popular choices due to better availability, the lack of sufficient electric charging infrastructure initially deterred many from opting for electric autos. However, operators have now learned that electric autos can be charged at home within five to six hours, offering significant annual savings despite higher capital costs. An LPG auto costs INR 2.3 lakh, whereas an electric auto costs nearly INR 3.9 lakh.
“Electric engines are nearly zero-maintenance with minimal moving parts,” said Prabir Basu, an automobile engineering expert.
“Our operating costs have come down significantly — from INR 3,500 to INR 200 a day,” Gour Das, who bought a blue auto for the Behala-Rashbehari route.
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