Electric Two-wheeler Launches And Sales To Continue; Government Confirms Incorrect Report

The news report came in light of recent incidents of EVs catching fire

The internet is abuzz with news that EV manufacturers have been dissuaded from launching any new products until the investigations on the recent fire-catching incidents is complete. However, PIB Fact Check, the fact-checking arm of the Indian government’s press agency, confirmed that the news is incorrect and the Ministry of Road Transport And Highway (MoRTH) hasn’t issued a notice like this.

This false news report has come in light of the recent hazardous incidents involving EVs reported across the country. The government is already investigating the incident through Centre For Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety (CFEES), a division of the Defence Research And Development Organisation (DRDO), but is yet to publish any report on it.

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The Indian market is still sceptical about electric vehicles, primarily due to the lack of charging infrastructure, and the recent incidents have further discouraged people from accepting EVs. Now, this incorrect report has added fuel to the fire, quite literally.

.@ETAuto has reported that the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has told electric vehicle manufacturers to halt new two-wheeler launches.@PIBFactCheck

??This Report is #Fake

??No such directive has been given by @MORTHIndia. pic.twitter.com/Sd0sxwYhmP

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 28, 2022

While stringent action needs to be taken and norms need to be established for safer EVs, a move like stopping the sales discourages well-established brands like Ather Energy, TVS and even Bajaj, producing premium EVs.