Pune: Around 33,000 new vehicles hit the roads in Pune and 22,000 in Pimpri Chinchwad during Dussehra and Diwali.
Most of the vehicles run on petrol and diesel. Electrical vehicles received relatively little response. A few years ago, however, Puneites responded well to electric vehicles. Only 658 new electric vehicles were sold in Pune between Dussehra and Diwali this year.
This is the lowest number in the last three years. The demand for electric vehicles is declining due to various reasons such as incidents of vehicle fire, high cost of vehicles, limited number of charging stations, etc.
The highest vehicle sales take place during Dussehra and Diwali. Vehicles were sold as expected in Pune. However, there is a worrying picture for electric vehicles.
The demand for these vehicles has been declining for the last three years. The government has completely waived road tax keeping in mind the interest of the environment. However, the purchase of electric vehicles is not increasing.
Sales of electric vehicles
Year: Petrol and diesel, electric
- 2022: 18,824 , 1,929
- 2023: 20, 083 , 1702
- 2024: 21,247, 658
Reasons:
- There have been incidents of vehicles catching fire, especially in two-wheelers.
- As a result, there is fear in the minds of motorists.
- Limited number of charging stations
- Vehicle prices are relatively high, so alternative vehicle purchases are preferred by vehicle owners.
Sanjay Sasane, Principal, IDTR says, "A few months ago, there were incidents of electric vehicles catching fire, which has created fear in the minds of motorists. Ev's battery management system has now been updated. However, there is confusion among the citizens. It has to go away, only then will the number of EVs increase."
Rahul Jadhav, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pimpri Chinchwad said, "The number of charging stations in and around Pune is low. In addition, if the driver is constantly traveling on a particular route and there is no charging station on that route, then he will naturally not be positive about buying an electric vehicle, and the price of this vehicle is relatively high."