Charging crisis sparks trouble for e-auto drivers in Kozhikode city

India's ambitious journey towards sustainable mobility, driven by environmental concerns and the aspiration to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, has seen a significant push for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Schemes like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) have been instrumental in providing incentives for both manufacturers and consumers. However, the ground reality, as highlighted by the charging crisis faced by e-auto drivers in Kozhikode, Kerala, reveals significant challenges in infrastructure development and policy implementation.

The background to this issue lies in India's commitment to combat climate change, articulated in forums like COP26, where it pledged to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. Promoting EVs, particularly in public transport and last-mile connectivity segments like auto-rickshaws, is a crucial step in this direction. E-autos offer a dual benefit: reducing urban air pollution and providing a cleaner, potentially more economical livelihood for drivers. The Central Government launched FAME India Scheme Phase I in 2015 and Phase II in 2019, with an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore, specifically focusing on supporting charging infrastructure and subsidizing electric vehicles across various categories, including three-wheelers.

What happened in Kozhikode is a classic example of a gap between policy intent and on-ground execution. E-auto drivers, who have embraced this green technology, are finding their livelihoods jeopardized by the severe lack of adequate charging points. Their repeated pleas, submitted as memorandums to State ministers over a period of six months, have reportedly gone unheeded. This prolonged inaction points to a systemic failure in addressing critical infrastructure needs for a burgeoning sector, directly impacting the daily operations and income of these drivers.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this scenario. Firstly, the **e-auto drivers** themselves are at the forefront, bearing the direct economic brunt of the crisis. Their ability to earn depends entirely on the operational readiness of their vehicles, which is hampered by charging accessibility. Secondly, the **Kozhikode City administration** and the **Kerala State Government** are crucial, as urban planning, public transport regulation, and infrastructure development fall under their purview. They are responsible for translating state and central EV policies into tangible local action. Thirdly, the **Central Government**, through ministries like the Ministry of Heavy Industries and NITI Aayog, designs and funds national EV policies like FAME. Their role is to provide direction and financial support. Finally, **EV manufacturers** and **charging infrastructure providers** are commercial entities whose success is intertwined with a supportive ecosystem, including robust charging networks. Consumers, who rely on e-autos for transport, are also indirectly affected by service reliability.

This situation matters immensely for India for several reasons. It directly undermines the nation's ambitious green mobility goals and its commitment to reducing carbon emissions. If early adopters face such significant hurdles, it can deter wider EV adoption, slowing down the transition to sustainable transport. Economically, it impacts the livelihoods of thousands of drivers, many from informal sectors, who have invested in e-autos hoping for a better future. Socially, it highlights issues of urban planning inadequacy and governance challenges in responding to the needs of a specific community. Politically, the inaction of state authorities can erode public trust in government initiatives. The incident also exposes critical gaps in the implementation of national policies like the FAME India Scheme, which aims to create a viable EV ecosystem, including charging infrastructure.

Historically, India has seen various attempts to modernize its public transport. The shift from traditional auto-rickshaws to electric variants is a recent phenomenon, driven by the dual pressures of rising fuel costs and environmental imperatives. The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 laid the groundwork for EV adoption, with FAME I and II schemes providing the financial muscle. However, the Kozhikode crisis indicates that while policies are in place, their effective implementation, particularly at the local level, requires greater coordination and responsiveness.

From a constitutional perspective, the issue touches upon several aspects. While there isn't a direct article mandating EV charging points, the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) provide a broad framework. **Article 48A**, which mandates the State to endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife, provides a constitutional underpinning for environmental protection efforts, including promoting green transport. Furthermore, **Article 243W** of the Constitution, pertaining to the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities, implicitly covers urban planning and the provision of essential urban amenities, which should now include EV charging infrastructure. State EV policies, such as Kerala's own Electric Vehicle Policy, also play a crucial role, often setting targets for charging stations and offering incentives.

The future implications are significant. This incident serves as a crucial wake-up call for state governments and urban planning bodies to prioritize the development of robust EV charging infrastructure. It underscores the need for proactive, rather than reactive, policy implementation and better coordination between central schemes and state-level actions. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) could be a viable model for accelerating charging network expansion. Failure to address such basic infrastructure gaps will not only impede India's green mobility aspirations but also create economic instability for those who have embraced the change, potentially leading to a backlash against EV adoption. The success of India's EV revolution hinges on ensuring that the foundational infrastructure keeps pace with vehicle adoption, making such crises a thing of the past.