Maharashtra Gets New Rs 2,000-Crore EV Policy In Boost For Electric Mobility

The Maharashtra government has approved a new EV policy to boost the production and use of electric vehicles in what is already the second largest EV market in India.

"The cabinet has approved a new EV policy that aims to boost manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in Maharashtra," Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. "Special emphasis will be laid on growing the EV charging infrastructure in the state, as well as extending subsidy and toll-free travel for EVs."

The Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy, 2025, with a total outlay of Rs 1,993 crore, will be applicable for the next five years until 2030, according to a statement. It includes:

• EV charging stations every 25 km on national highways crossing Maharashtra.

• Electric cars will be charged 50% toll on state and national highways.

• No toll for electric cars on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Atal Setu and Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway).

• Implementation of the Clean Mobility Transition Model to curb carbon and greenhouse gas emissions by the transport sector by 2030.

• All EVs are exempt from motor vehicle tax, registration certificate or renewal fees.

Additionally, citizens and public bodies will get a 10% concession on the original cost of the electric vehicles procured by them. EVs hauling cargo and electric tractors will enjoy a 15% discount on original cost.

The Maharashtra budget did try to tax luxury electric cars priced Rs 30 lakh and above at 6%, but the proposal was rolled back by Fadnavis. The state is already the second largest EV market in India.

In the fiscal ended March 31, the state accounted for 18% (2.12 lakh units) of all electric two-wheeler sales, 16% (17,133 units) of all electric car sales, and 24% (2,104 units) of all electric bus sales in India.