DPMC launches Sri Lanka’s first electric taxi service, E-drive

David Pieris Group President David Pieris along with Group Chairman and Managing Director Rohana Dissanayake preparing to go the first hire in E-drive at the launch

E-drive driver force with the David Pieris Group President David Pieris and Directors of the automotive cluster.

Turning a new page in passenger transport, David Pieris Motor Company Ltd., Sri Lanka’s largest automotive company, launched E-drive, a model electric three-wheeler (tuk-tuk) taxi service for public transportation for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Electric vehicles are the future. It is environmentally friendly with zero emissions and helps reduce dependency on fossil fuels. As a country, it will reduce our carbon footprint while saving foreign exchange by reducing the fuel bill. Lower running/ maintenance costs of these vehicles lead to cheaper transport costs, as a direct benefit to the passenger.

E-drive which the Company is introducing as a model project not only provides a cheaper means of transport for the public but also ensures safety and a better experience for passengers – with a reduction of noise, and a smoother ride due to reduced vibrations.

With the objective to produce a well-disciplined, professional taxi driver force in the country, the drivers of the E-drive taxi service have been trained not only on how to drive this vehicle but have also received refresher training in road rules and road etiquette. In addition, all vehicles are monitored centrally by the Company. The drivers will be wearing an E-Drive uniform, and their details will be displayed in the vehicle for the customer’s information along with a telephone number to call for any issues or driver feedback. Commenting on E-Drive, David Pieris Holdings Ltd. and David Pieris Automotive Cluster Executive Director Jayantha Ratnayake said, “We are proud to be the first Company to obtain approval to register our converted Bajaj three-wheelers. We want to not only use this platform to allow the public to use this greener, cheaper means of transport but also to ensure passengers get a safer ride with disciplined, trained drivers which we hope will set new standards for three-wheeler taxi services.”

“As the experts of Bajaj vehicles in Sri Lanka, we can confidently guarantee the electric conversion done by the DPMC. Only the correct conversions can ensure safety and comfort for the passenger traveling in the vehicle,” Ratnayake added.

These three-wheelers will initially operate in Colombo and its immediate suburbs. The vehicles can easily be identified due to their unique white and green branding and the service will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. They can be hailed down on the road, booked via the YOGO taxi-hailing mobile app and through a dedicated hotline 077 7 606077.  Charges would be very affordable as these three-wheelers will charge a flat rate of Rs. 65 per kilometre with no added peak hour charges. The ability to pay easily through cash or credit/debit cards can be termed as a unique facility of this service for those who use this three-wheeler service. Initially, the Company has converted 20 Bajaj, three-wheelers as part of this pilot project. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara