Electric car drivers say they are increasingly approached by their LPG-dependent counterparts for details on the vehicle’s price, charging time, maintenance and overall performance. | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Amid the ongoing shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) affecting autorickshaw operations across Bengaluru, there has been a significant increase in inquiries about electric autorickshaws, signaling a potential shift in interest towards alternative fuel vehicles.
Electric car drivers say they are increasingly approached by their LPG-dependent counterparts for details on the vehicle’s price, charging time, maintenance and overall performance. The trend comes at a time when many drivers are facing long queues and inconsistent supply of LPG.
Iqbal Saab, an electric autorickshaw driver from Banashankari, said that in the last two days, we have seen a spike in curiosity among other drivers. “After the LPG shortage started, many auto drivers have been asking me about the price, charging time and performance of electric cars. I can run for more than five hours on a full charge. The maintenance cost is under ₹ 500 per month and the running cost is around 50 paise per kilometer. Now many drivers tell me that I am lucky not to be facing the current problems,” he said.
The recent rise in fuel prices, triggered by the conflict in West Asia, has increased the operating costs of conventional fuel vehicles. This, in turn, has revived attention to electric vehicles (EVs), including electric cars, cars, two-wheelers and plug-in hybrids.
However, a key concern for drivers remains the higher initial cost of electric cars. In Bengaluru, electric autorickshaws cost between ₹ 3.33 lakh and ₹ 3.47 lakh (ex-showroom), while regular LPG autos cost between ₹ 2.22 lakh and ₹ 2.53 lakh, (ex-showroom) depending on the variant and configuration. This makes the cost of electric cars roughly ₹80,000 to ₹1.25,000 higher than their conventional counterparts, making the initial investment a significant hurdle despite lower running costs.
Ramesh K., an autorickshaw driver from JP Nagar, admitted that hesitation had earlier prevented many from adopting electric vehicles. “When electric cars were introduced, a few drivers bought them, but many of us were skeptical. We usually drive around 50km a day and there were concerns about battery life and charging infrastructure. Now, with the lack of LPG, I realize that switching earlier could have made things easier. An electric car would have been more reliable in that situation,” he said.
Dealers, too, have begun to notice an increase in demand, although they remain cautious about immediate conversions to sales. Poornima S, head of sales at an electric car showroom in Peenya, said, “Over the last few days, we have received more calls and inquiries, especially from drivers affected by the LPG shortage. However, a big shift may not happen immediately. Many drivers currently own older vehicles and the transition would require significant investment. Electric cars are relatively more expensive than the demand for conventional ones, so we expect the demand for them not to increase in the coming months.”
While the exact number of electric cars operating in Bengaluru is not officially known, drivers say their presence is gradually increasing. Those already using electric vehicles highlight several benefits, including ease of driving, lower operating costs and improved passenger comfort.
Mr Saab pointed out that electric cars offer a quieter and smoother ride. “These vehicles have more space, more comfortable seating and no engine noise. Passengers often say they have better legroom compared to regular cars. The suspension is also good, so both drivers and passengers feel less impact on bad roads or potholes,” he added.
Published – 03 Apr 2026 19:11 IST
