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I was completely unaware ofmthe the number and extent of use of e-rickshaws in metropolitan areas of India, which is the focus of the article in this link:


Inside India’s Messy Electric Vehicle Revolution - The New York Times

But 2 points struck me as particularly important :
”Although auto-rickshaws are safer and faster, a ride in one costs three to 10 times more than a ride in an e-rickshaw, which is less expensive because of the vehicles’ cheaper energy supply and ability to cram in four or more paying passengers.”
The fossil-fueled versions of these rickshaws can only carry 3 passengers. The increase from 3 to 4 passengers may not sound like much, but it is an increase of 33% in fares and income, and thus could make a critical difference to the livelihood of these mostly poverty-level drivers. Most e-rickshaws currently use lead-acid batteries, and I...

Saw this article. Could the cost to produce compete with oil? And, if it is cheaper to produce and more environmentally friendly, we could finally see a real alternative to gasoline.

Researchers develop large-scale, economical method to extract hydrogen from oil sands and oil fields - Green Car Congress

California reached an agreement last month with 4 major automakers to continue 3.7% annual average fuel economy increases despite the Trump administration's move to freeze the federal standards. A 5th automaker (Mercedes) has since joined and the New York times reports a 6th will join soon. GM and FCA have commented they prefer not to join the deal with California at this time so it seems Toyota or Nissan are more likely.

California reaches climate deal with automakers, spurning Trump