Sole electric auto driver in Dakshina Kannada

MANGALURU: Since a month, 53-year-old Robert D’Souza has been operating an electric autorickshaw in Mangaluru. Hailing from Ullal, he is the only in the city to invest in an electric autorickshaw. Since there are no charging station in the city, he charges the vehicle at his house every day.
Robert says he has no issues with the electric vehicle so far.An autorickshaw driver for the past 28 years, he said: “A year ago during my visit to Bengaluru, I saw electric auto rickshaws. When I got to know that they are available here, I decided to invest in it. It is very spacious when compared to our LPG autorickshaw and once the battery is charged for two-and-half hours, one can ride up to 120km. On an average, I run the autorickshaw for 80-90km per day. The autorickshaw is not only eco-friendly, but also cost-efficient,” he said.
Robert’s decision has been an inspiration to many drivers to switch to electric autorickshaws, but many are waiting for more automobile companies to introduce models. “Electric autorickshaws seem to be profitable. It is time for me to upgrade my autorickshaw, but I am waiting for more companies to introduce models as well as charging stations. Drivers themselves can join hands and small garages can set up charging stations,” said Dhananjaya, an auto driver since eight years.
According to an estimate, nearly 50,000 new motor vehicles (two, three and four-wheelers) are registered in India everyday, with a 10% increase in registration annually. Dakshina Kannada has 76 electric vehicles including 56 two wheelers, 19 cars and an autorickshaw.