The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is encouraging citizens to use electric vehicles so the environment can be protected from toxic gases emitted from conventional vehicles. The civic body is setting an example by commissioning more buses that run on electricity. Currently, the BMC has set up six electric charging stations across the city, which it plans to increase to 25 soon. The environment department of the BMC has already prepared a proposal in this regard and sent it to the civic commissioner for approval.
According to deputy municipal commissioner (environment department) Atul Rao, at the moment, there are 9,519 electronic vehicles plying Mumbai roads; of these 5,881 are two-wheelers, while there are 3,093 four-wheelers and 326 buses. “E-vehicles are the need of the hour. They are relatively cheaper and create no pollution; neither noise nor air pollution and they don't vibrate like petrol and diesel vehicles. They offer a smooth ride,” Rao said.
Meanwhile, another official said e-vehicles have a better life than petrol and diesel vehicles. “The battery lasts for 3-5 years. It can be charged within an hour using fast charging, while a regular charge will take up to six hours. The driving cost works out to Rs 9 per km for four-wheelers,” he said.
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