Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Automobiles Ltd (KAL) is staging a comeback with the launch of electric autorickshaw.

The electric autorickshaws being built by KAL at its plant at Aralumoodu in Neyyattinkara will be launched by February 10. The public sector automobile manufacturer is awaiting the approval of Automotive Research Authority of India.

The electric autorickshaws will be available at the price of a standard auto. A one-kilometre run will cost 50 paise, and in a single charge it can cover 110 km. The battery can be fully charged in four hours.

According to the present minimum rate, in one single charge, the owner can generate Rs 1,250 as income, said KAL chairman Karamana Hari.

The electric auto doesn't need gear and clutch, and there is facility for reversing the vehicle. The load gear will help the vehicle negotiate steep inclines easily. Unlike the conventional ones, the electric autos make no sound and generate no pollution.

According to its current capacity, KAL can make 1,200 electric autos a month. If sales pick up, KAL will look at increasing its capacity. It is also in talks with banks to arrange loans for buyers.

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