India, Aug. 1 -- In a major lapse, the Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has taken 100 of its 142 electric vehicles (EVs) off the roads after it was found that they were being operated without valid fitness certificates and insurance. The EVs, Tata Xpres-T sedans, were leased from a Nagpur-based private contractor for use by BEST officers and staff.

On Friday, BEST officials confirmed that the vehicles were "off-roaded" pending renewal of the necessary documents. "We have initiated action and suspended use of 100 electric cars while their fitness certificates and insurance are being renewed. The remaining 42 vehicles meet all statutory requirements. We have also sought an explanation from the contractor," s...