Mangaluru: With fuel prices continuing to rise amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, electric vehicle (EV) dealers across Dakshina Kannada are witnessing a sharp increase in customer enquiries and bookings, particularly for electric scooters and passenger autorickshaw.Dealers said the growing uncertainty over fuel costs is pushing many people to seriously consider EVs, though supply chain disruptions continue to affect vehicle availability and production.Shivaprasad AS, manager of Bajaj Chetak in Dakshina Kannada, said customer enquiries have increased nearly threefold in recent weeks. However, he noted that supply chain issues are limiting stock availability.“Retail sales in April stood at around 117 units. So far this month, we have received 115 retail bookings,” he said.An executive from Vida Electric said the company has recorded a 10% to 20% increase in sales and enquiries this month. According to the executive, the recent fuel price rise has significantly boosted customer interest in EVs, although production constraints linked to supply chain issues continue to remain a challenge.“If production improves, sales will increase further,” the executive added.Similarly, an executive from the River showroom in Kulur said they have noticed nearly a 10% rise in enquiries besides improved sales performance.The impact is also being felt in the four-wheeler segment. Harshavardhan Bangera, manager of Auto Matrix Tata Motors dealers, said there has been a notable rise in interest among EV-focused customers, while even buyers visiting for conventional fuel vehicles are now exploring electric options.“The enquiries have increased by nearly 20% compared to last month following the fuel price hike. As of May 23, we have received more than 70 bookings. We are also seeing good EV adoption in Puttur, Bantwal and Moodubidire,” he explained.Bangera pointed out that showroom sales in rural areas are generally lower as many customers prefer purchasing vehicles in the city. “While bookings in Bantwal are comparatively lower, Puttur alone has recorded around 20 to 25 EV bookings this month,” he added.However, not all dealerships are witnessing a dramatic spike. Harsha from Advaith Hyundai said enquiries have remained steady as the company currently offers only one EV model priced between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 27 lakh.Jayaprakash from ARM Kia said enquiries are average at present, but suggested that the removal of state road tax on EVs could encourage more buyers to switch to electric mobility.Demand for electric passenger autorickshaws has also increased across the district. Anil from Supreme Bajaj said enquiries for Bajaj electric three-wheeler passenger autos have risen by around 20% compared to Feb. “Demand from rural parts of Dakshina Kannada has also increased, while retail sales of EV passenger autos have gone up by nearly 15%,” he said.Meanwhile, an executive from a TVS branch in the city said bookings for electric three-wheelers continue to remain average, though customer enquiries have shown a strong upward trend.
