In a major eco-friendly initiative, the Eastern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Limited (APEPDCL) has flagged off the first batch of 10 electric cars out of the 45 being supplied to it by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).

The vehicles, procured with ₹12 lakh each, are being acquired by the APEPDCL on monthly rental basis for use by the officers in the cadre of General Manager and above. The vehicles work on auto system with 30kw power motor. The EESL has assured a service warranty for six years and one lakh km battery warranty. For charging the vehicles, the eastern discom has set up 12 DC electric charging stations. The units have been installed through Exicom Tele Systems Limited, a Delhi-based company. This apart, the EESL has installed fifteen 15 Amps AC charging points at the APEPCL corporate office and Circle Office, Collectors Bungalow, Collectors Office and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.

Per unit charging ₹6.95

With a single charging, the eco-friendly vehicles can be run at a cost of ₹1 per km. Once charged fully, the vehicles can ply about 120 km to 140 km. The per unit charging cost is ₹6.95, APEPDCL Chairman and Managing Director H.Y. Dora told The Hindu.

The e-cars, he said, would be fuel-efficient and ensure zero pollution and sound, smooth drive with higher acceleration.