PANAJI
The state government might have made road tax zero on electric vehicles, but there are hardly any such vehicles in the market in the state for people to buy. A number of two-wheeler and car dealers confirmed that they are not selling any electric vehicles at the moment in Goa.
A source from Maruti Suzuki’s dealership said
that the brand doesn’t sell electric vehicles in the state as of now. Prashant Joshi, a prominent dealer of Hyundai, said, “So far, Hyundai has not launched electric cars in Goa. But, Hyundai may launch an electric car in limited numbers in 2018.”
The response from other dealers was on the same lines. Sanjay Parmekar, general manager-sales, Sharayu Toyota, said, “Toyota has a couple of hybrid cars in its portfolio, but, we aren’t selling electric cars at the moment in Goa. The brand may launch an electric car in the state in future.”
When asked when Toyota will launch an electric car, Parmekar said, “It is the decision of the manufacturer. It’s tough to say when.”
As the state government has taken a lead by exempting electric vehicles from road tax, now it is time for the manufacturers to start launching electric scooters, bikes and cars. Having said that, the state government will also have to work on building infrastructure like charging points for electric automobiles.
Vinay Kunkolienkar from Goa Rajee (dealers of Honda), said, “Honda has not yet launched any electric two-wheeler. But, in another 1-2 years, a lot of developments will happen in the space of electric automobiles. We must also realize that there is a need to build facilities like charging points/stations, where batteries of such vehicles can be charged.”
Just as petrol/diesel run automobiles need petrol pumps for fuel, electric vehicles will need charging points. The idea to promote electric vehicles to conserve petroleum and protect environment is a noble one. But, it appears that consumers will have to wait a while to purchase electric scooters, bikes and cars in the state.
