MoRTH reprimands electric scooter makers for recent EV fires

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) convened a virtual meeting with 35 EV manufacturers to discuss the recent spate of electric scooter fires in the country. While the Centre has made it clear that there will be no ban on new electric two-wheeler launches, top sources say the MoRTH is taking the issue of safety very seriously. 

Joint Secretary Giridhar Aramane gave the manufacturers an earful for the fire incidences that have led to injuries and, in some cases, loss of life. "No such incidents should be repeated in the near future or else the government will take strict action by imposing  penalties,” he is believed to have said, a leading manufacturer told Autocar Professional, our sister publication.

The manufacturer added that the meeting is a wake-up call for some of the players in the industry that import and assemble cheap cells. Extensive testing needs to be done, and those who do not will pay the price. 

The Secretary was apparently irked with the initial findings of the investigation committee, which suggested that some manufacturers had only 10 to 15 staff members, including just one or two technical experts instead of a proper R&D department.

This was “worrisome" and manufacturers have been told "to get their act together”. Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier cautioned EV makers to voluntarily recall defective vehicles, after eight incidents of fires were reported in just over a month.