EVMS Flags Illegal E-Rickshaws, Low-Quality Imports as Key Risks to India’s EV Growth

Electric Vehicle Manufacturers' Society (EVMS), representing over 200 EV manufacturers including MSMEs, held a press conference at the Press Club of India to raise concerns over the increasing presence of illegal e-rickshaws and a surge in low-quality EV imports. The event was led by Shri Rajiv Tulli, General Secretary of EVMS.

According to EVMS, around 4.75 lakh unregistered e-rickshaws are currently operating in India without proper certification or registration. This unregulated segment, often comprising vehicles lacking number plates, insurance, compliance plates, or approved OEM parts, is contributing to public safety concerns and undermining the business of compliant manufacturers.

India’s e-rickshaw sector, primarily powered by MSMEs, supports over 50 lakh direct and 75 lakh indirect jobs and facilitates over 1 billion eco-friendly kilometres daily. Yet, EVMS argues that misconceptions surrounding the safety of all e-rickshaws fail to distinguish between certified vehicles and those built or converted outside of regulatory norms.

Tulli stated that the unchecked rise of illegal vehicles, often converted from paddle rickshaws, has persisted due to delays in streamlining registration procedures and limited enforcement infrastructure. Notably, compliant e-rickshaws undergo testing by authorised agencies before certification, while non-compliant units are linked to most traffic safety and disruption cases.

EVMS also highlighted a steep increase in low-standard imports of EV components. Between FY2021 and FY2024, motor imports rose from ₹320 crore to ₹870 crore, and controller imports from ₹140 crore to ₹410 crore, with many components failing to meet Indian operating standards. These imports, particularly from China, have reportedly reduced domestic MSME suppliers' market share to under 35%, posing risks to India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

The association cited official records, including RTI replies, Delhi High Court directives, and circulars from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Delhi Transport Department, to reinforce the need for targeted regulation. It also called out the lack of scrapping policies for aged e-rickshaws and limited space for confiscating illegal vehicles.

EVMS urged policymakers to focus on enforcing fitness checks, removing illegal vehicles from circulation, and regulating imports more strictly. “India’s EV transition cannot be based on compromises, safety risks or reliance on substandard imports,” Tulli said, calling for coordinated action across government and industry to safeguard both commuter safety and domestic manufacturing.