Telangana’s electric conversion scheme for autos takes shape
The scheme seeks to provide financial assistance of up to ₹1.50 lakh, either retrofitting their existing autos, or purchasing new electric ones; those who wish to retrofit their autorickshaws can do so by converting their vehicles using an AIS-123-approved electric kit installed by empanelled vendors.
The Telangana government has unveiled a ₹200 crore initiative aimed at converting 18,766 petrol and diesel autos into electric vehicles (EVs) through a comprehensive subsidy program. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced the Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026, which offers financial support of up to ₹1.50 lakh per vehicle, either for retrofitting existing autos or purchasing new EVs.
The scheme primarily targets the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) region, comprising 11,254 diesel and 7,512 petrol autorickshaws. Eligible vehicle owners can choose between retrofitting their existing autos using an AIS-123-approved electric kit from approved vendors, or replacing them with factory-built, type-approved electric passenger three-wheelers.
The government will provide a subsidy of up to ₹1.50 lakh, or the actual retrofitting cost, whichever is smaller, towards the kit, installation, and standard accessories. Alternatively, those opting for new EVs will need to surrender their internal combustion engine (ICE) autorickshaws and purchase a new electric vehicle, with a fixed subsidy of ₹1.50 lakh deducted from the on-road price.
The scheme will be implemented through a three-tier mechanism involving a State-Level Steering Committee, Scheme Implementation Committee, and District Sanction Committee. The initiative seeks to transition Hyderabad's urban transport system towards net-zero carbon emissions while mitigating the financial impact of escalating fuel costs for auto-rickshaw drivers.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
