Costs and charging infrastructure are key barriers to EV adoption by Mumbai’s auto and taxi drivers: survey

The study was conducted by Waatavaran Foundation and Climate Research Consultancy in collaboration with Asar and the Sustainable Mobility Network. Surveying 1,200 drivers across all 24 municipal wards of the city through face-to-face interviews, the study recorded responses from auto rickshaw drivers (55 per cent) and taxi drivers (45 per cent), using Kobo Toolbox for data collection and QGIS for geographic analysis.

Drivers voice health concerns

Findings reveal that 85 per cent of drivers were aware of electric vehicles, but adoption has been hindered by systemic challenges. Sixty-two per cent of respondents cited the lack of charging infrastructure as the top hurdle, while 60 per cent pointed to high purchase costs. Concerns over vehicle range were raised by 28 per cent, and 24 percent expressed apprehension about potential maintenance expenses. Many drivers also reported chronic health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to vehicular emissions, strengthening the case for a faster transition to cleaner transport.

Launching the report, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “This report, with its insights and recommendations, brings forward the voices of Mumbai’s auto and taxi drivers who are the backbone of first- and last-mile connectivity in our public transport system. Their concerns about affordability and charging are valid, and we are committed to addressing them. Work is already underway to expand EV charging networks across Maharashtra, and we will actively explore recommendations on innovative financing with all partners and stakeholders. The shift to clean mobility must be ambitious as well as fair, and together we can make it a healthier and more resilient future for the city.”

Supportive measures crucial

The study also underlined that supportive measures can make adoption more viable. A majority of drivers, amounting to 64 per cent, identified subsidies as essential for purchase, while 53 per cent highlighted access to financing as critical to transition. At the same time, 39 per cent of respondents believed electric vehicles could improve performance and reduce operating costs, and another 39 per cent said EVs could positively impact their earnings. Nearly 45 per cent indicated willingness to undergo training to better understand vehicle operation and maintenance.

Bhagwan Kesbhat, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Waatavaran Foundation, said, “A robust charging and battery swapping network, access to financing, and clear operationalisation plans are now necessities to achieve the transition of autorickshaws and cabs to EV. This transition is not just about clean air, it is about securing livelihoods for thousands of families.”

A long-term EV policy framework

Recommendations emerging from the report include fast charging and battery swapping facilities in high-demand areas, innovative financing models such as low-interest loans and simpler access to subsidies, dedicated EV parking and charging facilities in residential and slum clusters, and enhanced scrapping incentives to phase out old vehicles sustainably. The report further calls for a long-term EV policy framework to bring certainty to drivers and investors.

Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar said that the transition to electric vehicles was an important step to be taken for cleaner air and lower emissions in Mumbai. “Studies like this help us fine-tune policies, direct investments where they matter most, and give momentum to Mumbai’s shift toward a cleaner and more inclusive public transport future,” he said.

WRI India Chief Executive Officer Madhav Pai observed that the study captured an often missing perspective in the EV debate. He said, “Driver perspectives are often missing from conversations on electric mobility. This study fills that gap and reminds us that the shift to EVs is not just about technology or infrastructure, it is about people, livelihoods, and city resilience. Aligning financing, planning, and policy with these ground realities will be key to Mumbai’s clean mobility future.”

The study positions adoption of electric vehicles as central to Mumbai’s efforts at reducing vehicular emissions and developing sustainable last-mile connectivity while stressing that the needs and concerns of drivers must be addressed to ensure a just and inclusive transition.