New Delhi: The Union transport ministry has invited bids for hybrid and electric cars for official use in an attempt to lead by example towards a green economy.

The ministry plans to hire a fleet of at least 20 cars each in both hybrid and electric categories. Cards must have air-condition and should be at least a 2015 make, according to the bid documents issued by the ministry. For electric cars, the vehicle should be able to run at least 150km at a stretch.

“It is for the first time in the country that a government office would hire hybrid and electric cars," said a transport ministry official on condition of anonymity.

The bids are for a year and can be extended by a year. “If it works out well, we would ask other government offices also to hire hybrid and electric vehicles," he said, adding that cars would normally be expected to remain for official use during all working days from Monday to Friday every week, but may also be required for longer hours and on holidays.

The vehicles would be allotted to officers of all categories and based on their feedback, the ministry may recommend other Central offices too to hire such vehicles.

However, a taxi company owner who provides vehicles to government offices expects problems in implementation.

“First off all, there are hardly any taxi companies that would have hybrid or electric cars for rent. Second, the ministry has demanded a minimum fleet of 20 cars in each category that too only for one year. Even if taxi companies want to invest in it, the tenure would be a big discouragement," he said, on the condition of anonymity. He added that the suppliers would mostly be the companies manufacturing these vehicles.

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