Telangana readies support scheme to help autos shift to electric

Telangana is moving closer to rolling out an electric conversion support scheme aimed at autorickshaw owners—an effort that could make everyday urban travel cleaner while keeping driver livelihoods at the centre of the transition.

As per the scheme framework taking shape, eligible beneficiaries may receive financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh. The support is designed to work in two practical ways: drivers can retrofit their existing autorickshaws or opt to purchase a new electric autorickshaw.

What the scheme offers Autorickshaws are a backbone of last-mile connectivity in towns and cities, and any shift in technology needs to be affordable and operationally workable. Telangana’s proposal attempts to do this by supporting both of the main routes drivers typically consider.

• **Retrofitting existing autos:** Owners who want to continue using their current vehicle can convert it to electric through an **AIS-123-approved electric kit**.
• **Buying a new electric auto:** Drivers who prefer a fresh vehicle can use the assistance towards the purchase of a new electric autorickshaw.

The stated assistance is **up to ₹1.50 lakh**, offering a meaningful cushion for drivers weighing upfront costs. While such transitions can otherwise feel out of reach for small operators, a clear support mechanism can help reduce the financial friction and accelerate adoption.

How retrofitting is expected to work A key detail in the scheme is the emphasis on approved technology and regulated installation. Drivers choosing the retrofit option would convert their vehicles using an electric kit that is **AIS-123 approved**—a standard that is used to ensure safety and compliance for conversion systems.

To further strengthen quality control and consistency, the installation is expected to be carried out by **empanelled vendors**. This can help in a few practical ways:

• **Safer conversions:** Standardised kits and trained installers reduce the risk of unsafe modifications.
• **Greater confidence for drivers:** Clear guidance on approved options can simplify decision-making.
• **Better accountability:** A defined vendor network can make post-installation support and grievance redressal more structured.

For drivers, retrofitting may offer the advantage of keeping a familiar vehicle on the road while upgrading its powertrain. For the broader ecosystem, it can support a gradual transition without requiring every operator to immediately invest in a new vehicle.

A constructive step for cleaner mobility and livelihoods Electric autos can contribute to quieter streets and lower local emissions, especially in dense urban areas where autos operate for long hours. At the same time, autorickshaw owners are often small entrepreneurs, so policies that enable a smoother shift—rather than an abrupt replacement cycle—can be especially valuable.

By supporting both retrofit and new-purchase pathways, Telangana’s approach recognises that drivers have different operating realities: some may prefer to upgrade an existing asset, while others may want a new vehicle for longer-term use.

As the scheme takes clearer shape, its real-world impact will depend on practical elements such as the ease of accessing the assistance, the availability of empanelled vendors, and the on-ground readiness of retrofit solutions.

**Why it matters:** Helping autorickshaw drivers adopt electric options with structured, standards-based support can improve urban air quality while strengthening last-mile mobility and sustaining driver incomes during India’s clean transport transition.