Electric car manufacturers in Tamil Nadu are seeking approval for all vehicle models

For electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Tamil Nadu, the lack of recognition of smaller vehicles such as three-wheeler rickshaws and self-propelled carts for on-road operation is hindering the development of an eco-friendly EV system.

“The cart, which can accommodate six to 20 people, has no doors and runs at a maximum speed of 40 km, is permitted on the road in countries like the United States of America. However, there is no road permit for such vehicles in India. These vehicles do not get a road safety certificate and are therefore not eligible for loans or insurance,” said an in-house electric cart maker.

These carts are low-speed, personal vehicles and can also be used as shared cars. These small electric vehicles have the potential to provide last-mile connectivity. However, they must obtain approval for registration and be eligible for bank loans and insurance.

Eco Dynamic Group Director Vijayan Srinivasan said Uttar Pradesh has more than 100 MSME e-rickshaw suppliers. However, these vehicles cannot be registered in Tamil Nadu. E-carts and e-rickshaws can have multiple applications like garbage collection, transportation in remote areas and so on. When the vehicle model does not get approval, the MSME environmental system for electric vehicles is difficult to develop. There is a demand for components, innovation and development of new vehicles. However, the lack of recognition, approval and permission to operate on roads leads to a poor flow of funds to grow the use of such vehicles. This hampers the entire ecosystem. There are several manufacturers in Coimbatore who are struggling to grow in the EV space because of this issue, he added.

The Center and the state should be proactive in promoting new vehicle models and users, vehicle developers and manufacturers should have access to funds so that the small electric vehicle segment can grow, say stakeholders in Coimbatore.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 21:27 IST