Telangana is set to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autos in Hyderabad into electric vehicles under the Telangana Auto Rickshaw Electric Conversion Scheme 2026, with the state government allocating ₹200 crore for the initiative.
The scheme will cover eligible autos operating in Hyderabad’s Core Urban Region and aims to promote cleaner urban transport while reducing fuel expenses for auto drivers. Under the scheme, eligible auto owners will have two options. The first allows them to retain their existing chassis and replace the petrol or diesel engine with an AIS 123-approved electric conversion kit. Both fixed and swappable battery options will be available through approved vendors. The second option allows owners to surrender their existing petrol or diesel auto and purchase a new factory-manufactured and type-approved electric passenger three-wheeler.
The government will provide financial assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh per eligible vehicle. For new electric autos, approved dealers will deduct the subsidy from the vehicle’s final on-road price. The 18,766 eligible vehicles include 11,254 diesel autos and 7,512 petrol autos. Their phased conversion is expected to reduce dependence on conventional fuels across Hyderabad’s urban transport network. The initiative is also aimed at reducing air pollution and vehicle noise in busy parts of the city. For auto drivers, shifting to electric vehicles could lower daily fuel-related operating expenses.
The scheme forms part of Telangana’s broader Telangana Rising Vision 2047 and the state’s push towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility. Telangana has already been expanding the use of electric buses across its public transport network. Implementation will focus on vehicles with valid registrations within the notified Core Urban Region. A state-level steering committee will guide the programme, while implementation and district-level committees will oversee approvals and execution. The proposed conversion represents a significant step towards cleaner three-wheeler mobility in Hyderabad. Its long-term impact will depend on effective implementation, access to charging infrastructure and continued support for auto drivers during the transition to electric mobility.
