Uncertainty marks launch of second lot of e-autos

Agencies yet to ready recharging points, battery-swapping stations

The ambitious plan to launch the second lot of e-autos in the city, especially in the Kochi metro’s feeder routes, has run into rough weather, with neither government agencies nor manufacturers of e-autos readying recharging points or battery-swapping stations. Even worse, only half-a-dozen of around 20 e-autos that were launched with much fanfare in 2018 at metro stations are operable, said sources in Ernakulam District Autorickshaw Drivers Cooperative Society. This is in stark contrast with Kozhikode where over 150 e-autos are operating, despite opposition from drivers of conventional autorickshaws. The cooperative society, which was formed to bring approximately 15,000 autos that operate in the Greater Kochi area under one banner, is keen to introduce 100 e-autos by the end of May. But it has not been able to place a purchase order with either of the two manufacturers that were shortlisted, it is learnt.