September 9, 2025: A new study has found that high upfront costs and inadequate charging infrastructure remain the biggest hurdles preventing Mumbai’s autorickshaw and taxi drivers from switching to electric vehicles (EVs). Released on World EV Day, the report titled ‘Wheels of Change: Understanding EV Adoption for Mumbai’s Auto & Taxi Drivers’ is based on face-to-face interviews with 1,200 drivers conducted by Waatavaran Foundation and Climate Research Consultancy, in collaboration with Asar and the Sustainable Mobility Network.
The study shows that while 85% of drivers are aware of e-autos and e-taxis in the city, only 39% believe they offer better performance and lower maintenance costs. About 62% of respondents pointed to the lack of charging facilities, while 60% cited high initial investment as the biggest barrier. Drivers also raised concerns over range anxiety, battery replacement, and safety. At the same time, 64% said subsidies would encourage adoption, and 53% demanded improved charging infrastructure.
Releasing the report at IMC Churchgate, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “We have started providing relaxations on toll fees, registration charges, and also providing financial subsidies. To control the increasing number of cars, we have also taken the difficult step of not registering a car until the owner has a parking space. All of these are a loss to the state’s revenue, but we have decided that we will bear revenue loss against environmental loss.”
Maharashtra’s transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar added, “Auto Rickshaws and taxis are the most important element of last-mile connectivity in Mumbai. There is extensive planning to set up a charging infrastructure that will take the same time to charge a vehicle as it takes to refuel it.”
The report recommended fast-charging and battery-swapping stations in high-demand areas, better financing support, and clear long-term EV policies. “This transition isn’t just about clean air but about securing livelihoods for thousands of families,” said Bhagwan Kesbhat, CEO of Waatavaran Foundation.
Source: The Free Press Journal
