Indian roads have seen many CNG and LPG launches lately. But come December, you will see a range of electric two wheelers and the government is looking at incentives for makers of green vehicles. This seems especially timely, with fuel prices rising, the government and consumers are looking at switching over to alternative fuels.

In fact, the government is planning to cut the excise duty to 8% for small cars running on fuels like CNG, LPG etc. Companies like Maruti, Hyundai, GM and Ford have already launched hybrid versions of their vehicles in India. The government says it is ready to dole out more sops to incentivise automakers and customers. Minister for Heavy Industries, Sontosh Mohan Dev told CNBC-TV18, "We'll fight out with the Finance Minister to get things done."

Even some Indian auto manufacturers have not been slow to adapt their wheels to alternative fuels. Vice President, Tata Motors, Ravi Kant says, "We already have 40 buses that run on jatropha and diesel."

While hybrids have hit Indian roads, the concept of electric vehicles is yet to catch on. According to a study done by ACNielsen, the market potential for electronic vehicles in all five lakh plus towns is above 9 lakh units. This seems to have excited global players like Electrotherm, ACE and Ultra Motor.

UK-based Ultra Motor is tying up with a two-wheeler company in India and will launch its range of ebikes and escooters by the year end. But issues like battery charging stations and supply could be speedbreakers.

DG, SIAM, Dilip Chenoy says, "We can't get on the road as issues relating to battery has to be sought. According to regulations, petrol pumps cannot serve as recharging stations so industry is toying with ideas to get arrangements in place like exchange schemes to supply batteries etc. Another issue is the weight of the battery."

So, you can buy an ebike or an escooter by shelling out anything between Rs 13,000 - Rs 30,000 but don't expect to burn up the streets, as these vehicles will have an average speed of 35km/hr and will be less than 250 watts. But that is just the beginning and more souped up versions are in the pipeline. Then there is always India's very own Reva - whose time to burn the roads is only just beginning.

Swati Khandelwal