E-Rickshaws in India: A Green Project: Myth or Reality?

E-rickshaws promise to offer clean and affordable mobility for the masses although the category faces some contending issues that need to be addressed holistically by stakeholders of the electric mobility ecosystem.

The Energy Research Institute (TERI) study concluded that a conventional LPG-powered rickshaw emits 3.72 tonnes of CO2 and 0.005 tonnes of particulate matter in a year. In comparison, E-Rickshaws offer the cleanest way of urban mobility with zero emissions of greenhouse gases, particulate matter, and other harmful fumes in the environment.  The revolution of e-rickshaws started in 2010 in India when these were first introduced in the national capital Delhi. Back then, these e-rickshaws were imported from China though the Indian market acquired the manufacturing capabilities with the passage of time. Today India is one of the vibrant production hubs for e-rickshaws with a completely developed value chain in the country. As we enter into the next phase of growth and evolution of e-rickshaws, here's a deep look into their transformative capabilities and issues this category of clean mass mobility is contending with:

Transformative Potential

Instrument of Change: With vehicular emissions continuing to top the list of most polluting segments in India, switching to e-rickshaws can play an important role in making our cities less choky and polluted. The government of India is aiming for 80% electrification of 2-wheeler (2Ws) and 3-wheeler (3Ws) segments by 2030 and making a switch to e-rickshaws can play an important role in preserving our environment and ecology. Especially, when it comes to metropolitan cities, a complete switch to battery-operated rickshaws will go a long way in reversing the harmful impacts of climate change.

Socio Economic Upliftment: By offering employment opportunities throughout its value chain, e-rickshaws are helping the masses to move up the income ladder, thereby bringing an improvement in their position in society. In addition to offering employment to a sizable number of people, e-rickshaws are also supporting mechanics, technicians, repairmen, etc. in earning their livelihood. Not to mention, the means of support that the category is offering to tens of thousands of drivers who ply these e-rickshaws on a daily basis to offer affordable transportation to the masses.

Economy Contribution: The development of the e-rickshaw ecosystem in the country is also contributing to the economic output of India. The manufacturing sector contributes around 14.5% to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) with e-rickshaws, in turn, contributing to the total Gross Value Added by the sector.  Further, the growing popularity of e-rickshaw is also cajoling investors to enter the ecosystem and offer monetary help to entrepreneurs, business ventures, and other stakeholders to enter into the business ecosystem. Take, for instance, Mufin Green Finance which is a pure-play finance company in the EV space. It has offered financial assistance of more than Rs 245 crore in the EV segment till now and reduced 1.93 MT of CO2 emissions through its clientele in the last five years.

Contending Challenges

Lack of Regulations: While registration is required for the e-rickshaw, the lack of regulation related to plying on specified routes is the prominent challenge contending the category of e-rickshaw. Further, the unregulated nature is exacerbated by untrained drivers who often become a primary reason behind the accidents of e-rickshaws.

Speed Constraint: The maximum operating speed of e-rickshaws is up to 30km/h which means their movement on the road can delay other vehicles, causing jams and congestion on roads. As most cities in India don't have a separate slow-driving lane, e-rickshaws can obstruct smooth vehicular movements and cause conventional vehicles to burn more fossil fuels and environmental pollution.

Battery Recycling: India is far from making satisfactory progress in recycling the batteries used in e-rickshaws. Although the use of lead-acid batteries has been banned by the Delhi High Court last year, the recycling mechanism used for lithium-ion batteries needs significant improvements. Not only changes are required in the way these batteries are recycled but the number of such recycling stations also needs a thorough revamp so that the recycling process can keep up the pace with growing units of e-rickshaws on roads. 

e-rickshaws have the transformative potential to bring a comprehensive change in the way masses commute in cities and metropolitan areas. These battery-operated rickshaws have zero carbon footprint and by offering completely noise-free operation, these benefit our environment in more ways than one. That said, the issues contending the category are also serious and need urgent attention from policymakers, administrators, and statutory organisations. It's only when all the stakeholders come together and put in concerted efforts, the e-rickshaw ecosystem will flourish and become self-sustainable in the long run.