, representing over 200 EV makers, held a press conference highlighting two key issues in India’s EV sector: the rise of illegal e-rickshaw operations and low-quality imports. General Secretary Shri Rajiv Tulli urged immediate policy action, clearer regulations, and collaborative efforts to address these challenges.){kind=link}
Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Society (EVMS), representing more than 200 organized and MSME EV manufacturers across India, organized a press conference at the Press Club of India to spot the two important issues affecting the electric mobility sector: an increase in the uncontrolled operation of the illegal e-rickshaws and an increase in the subordinate imports. EVMS general secretary and more than 25 years of experience with an industry veteran Mr. Rajiv Tully led the session. He called for immediate policy intervention, regulatory clarity and integrated action from all stakeholders to protect the integrity and future of India’s EV ecosystem.
E-rickshaws have emerged as one of the most important contributors in India’s Green Mobility Revolution. Currently, with over 5 million e-rickshaws across the country, supported by about 500 MSME manufacturers of e-rickshaws and e-carts, the region has given adequate environment and economic benefits.
E-rickshaws have given important environment and economic benefits. They cover more than 1 billion green kilometers daily, causing about 4 lakh metric tons of carbon emissions, which is equal to 2 billion trees. Their comprehensive use has replaced 98 percent of the manual paddle rickshaws, which saves about 50 million liters of petrol each day and reduces India’s fuel imports. The region has created over 5 million direct and more than 75 million indirect jobs, especially in small cities and rural areas, providing livelihood to weak communities. Cheap and efficient, e-rickshaws have become the most reliable final-mile connectivity options for millions and play an important role in supporting the metro rail network in cities.
Despite these contributions, the misconceptions around the e-rickshaw persist. EVMs clarified that security concerns are largely stems from illegal, unregistered and substandard vehicles that are working outside the regulatory structure. Contest e-rickshaw passes through rigorous testing by authorized agencies before obtaining certification and registration. Traffic disruption and safety issues are mainly connected to non-transport vehicles, not accepted, produced by road -able people, roadable. EVMS is working with officials to implement fitness checks and seize such illegal vehicles.
It is important to distinguish between legitimate, obedient e-rickshaws and illegal, unpublished people. A valid e-rickshaw has road registration, a number plate, a chassis number, a compliance plate, insurance and a fitness certificate. These vehicles use approved OEM parts and meet all safety and quality standards.
On the other hand, illegal e-rickshaws, often work without registration, number plate or valid chassis number. Many are converted from paddle rickshaw to electric without completing security criteria. They have compliance plates, insurance and lower-grains, unused parts. With no fitness certification or roadworthiness clearance, these vehicles pose safety risk to passengers and reduce the reliability of the region.
While the growth of the region is undisputed, the uncontrolled growth of illegal e-rickshaws is a serious concern. EVMS estimates that around 4.75 million unregistered e-rickshaws currently function in Indian cities without proper driver authentication or formal registration.
EVM general secretary Mr. Rajiv Tully said that the delay in lack of a well -organized registration process has allowed illegal operators to flourish. This not only threatens public safety, but also creates unfair competition for obedient manufacturers investing in quality and regulatory compliance.
Adding the challenge is a sharp increase in EV components and inferior imports of chassis. Between 2021 and 2024, motor imports increased from ₹ 320 crore to ₹ 870 crore, while controlling imports increased from ₹ 140 crore to ₹ 410 crore to ₹ 410 crore. An important part of these imports, especially from China, does not meet Indian quality standards and is unsuitable for local operating conditions.
These inferior import vehicles pose serious risks for performance and commuter safety. He also hurt domestic MSME suppliers, whose market share has already reduced by 35 percent. Mr. Tullee described this trend as a setback for the self -reliant Bharat Mission and a direct threat to homegron innovation.
EVMs also flagged the gaps in the enforcement infrastructure, including insufficient space to seize and scrap illegal vehicles and the absence of a clear scrap policy for aging of e-rikishw. To support its concerns, EVM presented a detailed dossier with RTI answers, instructions from the Delhi High Court on illegal vehicle seizures, information from the Ministry of Road Transport and EV compliance from Delhi Transport Department and information from highways on circulars.
EVMs also introduced district-wise maps compared to hotspots, import trend data, comparison of important EV parts and quality of floches, stating how local construction is being reduced.
Mr. Tullee urged policy makers to take decisive action. He stressed that India’s EV infection could not be based on agreement, security risk or dependence on poor imports. It is necessary to enforce the existing rules, protect public safety and to strengthen Indian manufacturers to construct a reliable, competitive and safe electrical dynamics sector for the country.