At a news conference at the News Club of India, EVMS, which represents more than 200 organised and MSME EV manufacturers nationwide, highlighted two significant issues plaguing the nation’s electric mobility industry. These include the dramatic rise in low-quality imports and the pervasive operation of illegal e-rickshaws. The session was chaired by EVMS General Secretary Shri Rajiv Tulli, a seasoned professional with more than 25 years of expertise. To address these serious issues, he persuasively argued for swift governmental action, clear regulations, and concerted efforts from all parties involved.
In India, e-rickshaws have become one of the main forces behind the green mobility revolution. The sector has produced significant economic and environmental benefits, with over 50 lakh e-rickshaws already in operation nationwide, backed by about 500 MSME e-rickshaw and e-cart manufacturers.
E-rickshaws have delivered significant environmental and economic benefits. They cover over 1 billion green kilometres daily, saving nearly 4 lakh metric tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting 2 billion trees. Their widespread use has replaced 98 per cent of manual paddle rickshaws, saving around 50 million litres of petrol each day and reducing India’s fuel import burden. The sector has also created over 50 lakh direct and 75 lakh indirect jobs, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, providing livelihoods to vulnerable communities. Affordable and efficient, e-rickshaws have become the most reliable last-mile connectivity option for millions and play a vital role in supporting metro rail networks across cities.
Despite these contributions, misconceptions around e-rickshaws persist. EVMS clarified that safety concerns largely stem from illegal, unregistered and substandard vehicles operating outside the regulatory framework. Compliant e-rickshaws undergo rigorous testing by authorised agencies before receiving certification and registration. Traffic disruptions and safety issues are mainly linked to non-compliant vehicles, not the approved, roadworthy ones produced by responsible manufacturers. EVMS is working with authorities to enforce fitness checks and seize such illegal vehicles.
Making the distinction between legal, authorised e-rickshaws and illicit, unapproved ones is essential. Road registration, a number plate, a chassis number, a compliance plate, insurance, and a fitness certificate are all required for a legitimate e-rickshaw. These cars satisfy all safety and quality requirements and are equipped with authorised OEM parts.
Illegal e-rickshaws, on the other hand, often operate without registration, number plates or valid chassis numbers. Many are converted from paddle rickshaws to electric without meeting safety norms. They lack compliance plates and insurance and use low-grade, untested parts. With no fitness certification or roadworthiness clearance, these vehicles pose safety risks to commuters and undermine the sector’s credibility.
Although there is no denying the sector’s progress, the unrestrained rise of illicit e-rickshaws continues to be a major problem. According to EVMS, there are currently over 475,000unregistered e-rickshaws operating in Indian cities that lack formal registration, driver certification, or QR codes.
Shri Rajiv Tulli, General Secretary of EVMS, pointed out that delays in QR code issuance and the lack of a streamlined registration process have allowed illegal operators to flourish. This not only endangers public safety but also creates unfair competition for compliant manufacturers who invest in quality and regulatory compliance.
Adding to the challenge is the sharp rise in substandard imports of EV components and chassis. Between 2021 and 2024, motor imports jumped from ₹320 crore to ₹870 crore, while controller imports increased from ₹140 crore to ₹410 crore. A significant portion of these imports, particularly from China, do not meet Indian quality standards and are unsuitable for local operating conditions.
These inferior imports pose serious risks to vehicle performance and commuter safety. They also hurt domestic MSME suppliers, whose market share has already dropped below 35 per cent. Shri Tulli described this trend as a setback to the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission and a direct threat to homegrown innovation.
EVMS also flagged gaps in enforcement infrastructure, including insufficient space to seize and scrap illegal vehicles and the absence of a clear scrap policy for ageing e-rickshaws. To support their concerns, EVMS presented a detailed dossier containing RTI replies, Delhi High Court directives on illegal vehicle seizures, notifications from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on EV compliance and circulars from the Delhi Transport Department.
EVMS also presented district-wise maps highlighting hotspots of illegal operations, import trend data, quality comparisons of critical EV parts and flowcharts illustrating how unchecked imports are undermining local manufacturing.
Shri Tulli concluded by urging policymakers to take decisive action. He stressed that India’s EV transition cannot be based on compromises, safety risks or reliance on substandard imports. Enforcing existing rules, safeguarding public safety and empowering Indian manufacturers are essential to building a reliable, competitive and safe electric mobility sector for the country.