LPG crisis sparks surge in interest for electric autos in Bengaluru

Amid an ongoing shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) affecting autorickshaw operations across Bengaluru, there has been a noticeable spike in enquiries about electric autorickshaws, signalling a potential shift in interest towards alternative fuel vehicles.

Electric auto drivers say they are increasingly being approached by their LPG-dependent counterparts seeking details on vehicle cost, charging time, maintenance and overall performance. The trend comes at a time when many drivers are struggling with long queues and inconsistent LPG supply.

Iqbal Saab, an electric autorickshaw driver from Banashankari, said that the past two days have seen a sharp rise in curiosity among fellow drivers. “After the LPG shortage began, many auto drivers have been asking me about the cost, charging time and performance of electric autos. On a full charge, I can operate for over five hours. The maintenance cost is under ₹500 per month, and the running cost comes to roughly 50 paise per kilometre. Now, many drivers tell me I am fortunate not to be facing the current difficulties,” he said.

The recent surge in fuel prices, triggered by West Asia conflict, has increased operating costs for conventional fuel-based vehicles. This has, in turn, revived attention towards electric vehicles (EVs), including electric cars, autos, two-wheelers and plug-in hybrids.

However, the higher upfront cost of electric autos remains a key concern for drivers. In Bengaluru, electric autorickshaws are priced between ₹3.33 lakh and ₹3.47 lakh (ex-showroom), while conventional LPG autos cost between ₹2.22 lakh and ₹2.53 lakh, (ex-showroom) depending on the variant and configuration. This places the cost of electric autos roughly ₹80,000 to ₹1.25 lakh higher than their conventional counterparts, making the initial investment a significant barrier despite lower running costs.

Ramesh K., an autorickshaw driver from J.P. Nagar, admitted that hesitation had earlier prevented many from adopting electric vehicles. “When electric autos were introduced, a few drivers bought them, but many of us were sceptical. We typically cover around 50 km a day, and there were concerns about battery range and charging infrastructure. Now, with the LPG shortage, I realise that switching earlier could have made things easier. An electric auto would have been a more reliable option in a situation like this,” he said.

Dealers, too, have begun noticing a rise in enquiries, though they remain cautious about immediate conversions into sales. Poornima S., a sales executive at an electric auto showroom in Peenya, said, “We have received more calls and walk-in enquiries over the past couple of days, mainly from drivers affected by the LPG shortage. However, a large-scale shift may not happen immediately. Many drivers currently own older vehicles and would require significant investment to transition. Electric autos are relatively more expensive than conventional ones, so while enquiries have increased, they may not translate into immediate purchases. That said, we expect demand to grow in the coming months.”

While the exact number of electric autos operating in Bengaluru is not officially known, drivers say their presence is gradually increasing. Those already using electric vehicles highlight several advantages, including ease of driving, lower operating costs and improved passenger comfort.

Mr. Saab pointed out that electric autos offer a quieter and smoother ride. “These vehicles have more space, the seating is more comfortable, and there is no engine noise. Passengers often say they have better legroom compared to regular autos. The suspension is also good, so both drivers and passengers feel less impact on bad roads or potholes,” he added.