SMEV for electrification of commercial 2-wheelers

SMEV has urged the NGT to issue necessary directions

Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) has suggested a complete electrification of commercial two-wheelers, to check air pollution in the national capital.

In a letter to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), SMEV has urged it to issue necessary directions and make some urgent provisions to curb the health-threatening menace.

In view of the worsening air quality in Delhi and its severe impact on environment and health, SMEV wants the NGT to take the first step and come out with immediate and stringent regulations for converting commercial two-wheelers to electric vehicles.

Commercial two-wheelers are much more polluting than personal vehicles due to improper maintenance and much higher frequency of use, it said.

 

SMEV has asked for "immediate steps for complete electrification of commercial two-wheelers engaged in e-commerce and logistics business in the capital".

Delhi has about 56 lakh registered two-wheelers, which constitutes the biggest share to the capital's vehicular pollution, it added.

Director of Corporate Affairs in SMEV, Sohinder Gill, said Delhi has about 15,000 plus restaurants with each having at least 8-10 delivery vehicles, making at least 10 trips per day.

"This happens on a much bigger scale for all e-commerce and logistic businesses plus the non-formal sectors, which are engaged in various other services of delivery causing huge damage to the environment," he added.