Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad have emerged as leaders in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Maharashtra, with approximately 30% of the total EV registrations in the state, according to data from the Ministry of Road Transportation. Additionally, the twin cities have witnessed a significant increase in the registration of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.
Out of the 3,22,225 EVs registered in Maharashtra, approximately 95,000 are now in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad alone. The data for EV registrations until September this year suggests that the number of registrations is on track to surpass the total EV registrations in both cities in 2022.
A transport department official expressed confidence in setting a record for EV registrations this year, with expectations of substantial growth in CNG vehicle registrations as well. Currently, Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad account for around 32% of the total CNG vehicles registered in Maharashtra, and this figure is projected to rise to 45% by the next year.
For many residents like Sayyad Shaikh, the rising fuel prices have been a driving force behind the shift to EVs. Shaikh, who resides in the Camp area, owns both an EV car and a two-wheeler. He explained, “At present, the price of a litre of petrol is around Rs107, and diesel is Rs93. Even CNG prices are Rs92 per kg. The prices were manageable until 2020-2021, but now there are no signs of a reduction in prices. EVs might be expensive, but they are a one-time buy, and the cost is recovered in a few years as the expenditure on fuel is nil.”
Shaikh also noted the increased availability of charging points, which has made EVs a more practical choice for daily commuting.
Dhruv Ruparel, President of the Petrol Dealers Association Pune, suggested that the sale of CNG vehicles could increase further with improvements in the gas distribution network, especially in smaller towns and rural areas where city gas distribution networks are lacking.
Bharat Thakkar, an EV dealer, emphasized that despite the reduction in Central government subsidies on EVs, people continue to purchase electric vehicles. Thakkar highlighted the longer-term cost savings associated with EVs, including zero maintenance and fuel costs. He also expressed optimism about the forthcoming battery swapping policy, which he believes will be a game-changer in the EV industry.
Sriram Dhande, an EV two-wheeler owner, praised the increasing availability of charging points, stating, “Now I see them in quite a few places, including petrol pumps. I am not thinking about battery degradation at the moment as I am saving around Rs300 per week, which I would have otherwise spent on petrol.”
The data and residents’ experiences underline the growing popularity of EVs in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, driven by environmental concerns and the economic benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles.
