North Goa Consumer Commission Slaps Rs 1.24 Lakh Penalty on EV Firm for Faulty E-Bike
In a significant ruling upholding consumer rights, the North Goa District Consumer Redressal Commission has ordered Hyderabad-based electric vehicle manufacturer PUR Energy Ltd to pay a total of Rs 1,23,692 to Moira resident Sheshan Rawool. The compensation is for selling a defective electric two-wheeler and demonstrating severe deficiency in after-sales service.
Commission's Stern Order and Reasoning
The commission, presided over by President Bela Naik and Member Auroliano de Oliveria, directed the company to refund Rs 98,692 to Rawool for the faulty vehicle. Additionally, it mandated a payment of Rs 25,000 as compensation for the mental and financial agony caused by the service deficiency.
The bench made a crucial observation regarding the company's conduct: "The EV company asking Rawool to pay Rs 11,068 despite the battery being under warranty clearly shows deficiency in service. This action put the consumer through considerable mental and financial stress. A consumer cannot be expected to possess specialized equipment to test a vehicle battery. Only the EV company, which is responsible for servicing, has the necessary machinery to conduct such diagnostic tests."
Chronology of the Consumer's Ordeal
According to the detailed complaint filed by Rawool, he booked an e-bike from PUR Energy Ltd on February 24, 2022, paying the initial booking amount in cash. He subsequently secured a loan of Rs 82,000 and formally purchased the vehicle on March 3, 2022.
The problems began in November 2022 when the e-bike experienced a drastic drop in performance. Its mileage plummeted to just 50 kilometers per full charge, a far cry from the range promised at the time of sale. Upon reporting the issue, the company assured him it was resolved.
The situation worsened in January 2023 when the vehicle completely stopped functioning, despite being fully charged. Rawool approached the authorized dealership, where a service adviser promised to install a new Battery Management System (BMS). Despite repeated assurances, the replacement battery provided was itself defective.
Compounding the issues, Rawool made multiple unsuccessful requests for the vehicle's warranty card, which the company failed to provide. In a shocking development in June 2023, he discovered the e-bike's battery had been repaired, but the company demanded a payment of Rs 11,068 for the work—despite the battery still being under the manufacturer's warranty period.
Frustrated by the lack of resolution, Rawool sent a formal legal notice to PUR Energy Ltd on September 25, 2024, which eventually led to the consumer commission case.
EV Company's Defense and Commission's Rejection
In its defense before the commission, PUR Energy Ltd argued that Rawool had not availed all mandatory servicing for the vehicle. The company claimed it had replaced the battery free of cost as a "goodwill gesture" and alleged that Rawool used the e-bike without following proper maintenance practices, for which the firm could not be held liable. It contended that the complaint was legally untenable.
The commission, however, found these arguments unconvincing against the overwhelming evidence of product defect and service failure. It upheld the consumer's grievance in its entirety.
This ruling serves as a strong precedent for consumers facing similar issues with electric vehicles and highlights the accountability of manufacturers in honoring warranties and providing competent after-sales support. The total penalty of Rs 1,23,692 underscores the legal and financial repercussions for companies that neglect these fundamental responsibilities.
