Electric Vehicles Surge on Roads as Fleet Hits 11,000 Milestone

The number of fully electric vehicles on the road has surged to 11,319 as of late February, Transport Minister Osman Mahomed revealed on Wednesday, 25 March. Addressing a parliamentary inquiry from MP Manoj Seeburn, the Minister detailed a significant shift in the nation’s transport landscape, supported by multi-million rupee subsidies and international climate funding.

The Electric Breakdown

According to data from the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA), the current electric fleet is dominated by 6,262 private cars and 4,820 autocycles.

The figures also include 15 motorcycles, 88 goods vehicles, 75 double-cab pickups, and 56 buses currently in operation.

The hybrid sector remains a key component of the transition, with 2,209 vehicles registered, nearly all of which are private cars.

In response to the growing market, the NLTA has been tasked with upgrading its registration systems to clearly distinguish between conventional hybrids and plug-in models.

Bus Modernisation and International Aid

The government is making a concerted push to electrify public transport through the Bus Modernisation Programme.

Operators are currently eligible for financial grants of up to Rs 3.5 million per bus to encourage the transition to “cleaner and more energy-efficient” models.

Further expansion is imminent:

• 60 additional electric buses are expected to join the National Transport Corporation (NTC) fleet following a donation from the Government of India.
• 5 electric buses have already been received from the People’s Republic of China.
• $5,600,607 (approx. MUR 260 million) in funding has been secured via the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote low-carbon transport through September 2028.

Charging Challenges

Despite the rise in vehicle numbers, the Minister acknowledged hurdles regarding the island’s charging infrastructure.

While 16 petrol stations currently offer charging points, approximately 60 additional units are spread across shopping centres, hotels, and restaurants.

However, many owners prefer charging at home overnight due to the duration required for a full charge and the higher costs associated with commercial stations.

“Service stations are finding it difficult to attract customers because the cost to charge a vehicle is more significant than at home,” Minister Mahomed noted, adding that a solution to this pricing disparity is being developed.

Future Outlook

The Ministry is currently weighing the need for a wider charging network against the rapid advancement of EV technology.

Newer models now boast ranges of 500-600 Km, nearly double the previous average of 300 Km.

In a country measuring just 46 Km by 65 Km, this increased autonomy significantly reduces the reliance on public infrastructure.

Nonetheless, the NLTA will continue consultations with the Ministry of Energy and oil companies to establish a regulatory framework that addresses safety, grid capacity, and investment costs.

Source: Le Mauricien