Hyderabad: With pollution levels going up by the day in Hyderabad, there was a definite need to check on the vehicular pollution and as an answer this immediate need, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao today called upon people to make use of electric vehicles to make Hyderabad a pollution-free city. The CM said that the electric vehicles would be introduced in a phased manner in GHMC and TSRTC. He also pointed out that there was need for private companies to also encourage usage of such vehicles.

KCR stressed on the need for electric vehicles at a meeting with BYD (Build Your Dreams) Auto Industries Company Limited, China, which produces 100 per cent electric vehicles of all types. The company representatives told the CM that they would establish their electric vehicles factory and production unit in Hyderabad. Welcoming their move, KCR extended government's help for the company.

Earlier, KCR got a feel of an electric vehicle when he was taken on a short ride in an electric bus designed and developed by BYD. He appreciated the quality and standards of the bus, which he described as excellent.

The BYD vehicles would run on battery. Once charged, the vehicle will be ready for a 300-400 km drive. The battery can be charged fully in three hours.