This report captures key insights from a perception survey of 1,200 auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers across Mumbai, conducted by Waatavaran and Climate Research Consultancy in collaboration with Asar and the Sustainable Mobility Network. It brings together voices from the ground to understand drivers’ perspectives on transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) and highlights the barriers, enablers, and pathways to building a just and sustainable mobility ecosystem for the city.

Key takeaways and highlights from the report:

• Identifies major barriers to EV adoption among Mumbai’s auto and taxi drivers, including high upfront vehicle costs, limited charging infrastructure, and uncertainty around performance and maintenance.
• Captures drivers’ perspectives on the economic, social, and health impacts of conventional fuel-based mobility, as well as their views on subsidies, financing, and infrastructure needed to support a shift to EVs.
• Presents actionable recommendations for enabling EV adoption, such as building fast-charging and battery-swapping networks, creating dedicated EV parking and charging in high-demand areas, providing innovative financing solutions, and strengthening vehicle scrappage and recycling policies.
• Highlights the role of awareness and training, with many drivers expressing interest in workshops and skill-building programs to better understand EV use, maintenance, and opportunities.
• Documents policy evolution at the national and state level, including FAME, PM E-DRIVE, and Maharashtra’s EV policies, situating Mumbai’s transition within broader institutional and policy frameworks.
• Introduces pathways for equitable electrification, emphasizing the need for inclusive solutions that address the realities of drivers living in informal settlements, and ensuring that the transition secures livelihoods while delivering environmental and health benefits.
• Underscores the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving government, unions, industry, financiers, and civil society to create a supportive ecosystem for EV adoption.