Flip Side of Telangana’s EV Push: Voices from the Public

Sindujaa D N

the surge in EV registrations feels like a promising step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. Many people, excited by the incentives offered under the 'Telangana Electric Vehicle & Energy Storage Policy 2020-2030', have eagerly made the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), hoping to save on fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

However, the initial excitement is quickly tempered by the practical challenges of owning an EV. The most glaring issue is the lack of adequate charging stations. "What's the use of buying an EV if I can't find a place to charge it when I need to?" asks Ramesh, a software professional in hyderabad who recently purchased an electric two-wheeler. He points out that while the policy sounds good on paper, the ground realities are different. "I end up wasting time and energy just hunting for a charging station, and even when I find one, there’s often a long queue," he laments.

In rural and semi-urban areas, the problem is even worse. Many new EV owners there say they feel left out as most charging infrastructure is concentrated in cities. Mallesh, a farmer from Warangal, says, "I bought an electric tractor after hearing about the subsidies, but charging it is a nightmare. I have to travel to the nearest town, and even there, the facilities are limited."

Others worry about the upfront cost of EVs, despite the government's incentives. priya, a homemaker from Karimnagar, says, "We stretched our budget to buy an electric car because we thought it would save us money in the long run. But with limited charging options and high electricity rates, I'm not so sure anymore."

For daily commuters, the lack of proper maintenance and transparency at charging stations is another issue. Some say that the tariffs at private charging stations are inconsistent, and the state has yet to regulate these adequately.

Amid these challenges, there’s a growing sentiment that the government’s push for EV adoption needs to be matched with better infrastructure planning. Many citizens suggest a focus on installing more charging stations in public spaces, including highways and rural areas, and increasing awareness about EV usage and maintenance.

While the common man appreciates the vision of making telangana an EV-friendly state, there’s a collective hope that the government will address these gaps soon. As priya sums up, “We don’t just need policies; we need solutions that make our lives easier.”

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