India is on the fast track to promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation with a growing emphasis on hybrid and electric vehicles. The Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries, Krishan Pal Gurjar, recently shared updates in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, giving a glimpse into the nation’s efforts towards a greener future.
The FAME India Scheme: Driving Sustainability
In 2015, the Indian government launched the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme, aimed at encouraging the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles in India. The scheme, which began its second phase on April 1, 2019, will run for five years with a budget support of Rs. 10,000 crores.
Affordable and Accessible EVs
To make electric vehicles more budget-friendly, the government has approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries in India. Electric vehicles are also included under the PLI scheme for Automobiles and Auto Components, with a budget of Rs. 25,938 crore for five years.
Tax Breaks for a Greener Tomorrow
The government has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles from 12% to 5% and on chargers/charging stations from 18% to 5%, making them more accessible to consumers.
Green License Plates and Waived Road Tax: Encouraging the Shift
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has announced that battery-operated vehicles will receive green license plates and be exempt from permit requirements, thereby reducing the initial cost of electric vehicles. MoRTH has also advised states to waive road tax on EVs, further encouraging the shift towards sustainable transportation.
”16,73,115 Hybrid and Electric Vehicles on Indian Roads”
India has over 16,73,115 hybrid and electric vehicles currently on its roads, a testament to the country’s commitment to promoting sustainable transportation options.
A State-wise Analysis of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India
According to the e-Vahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, India is home to over 16 lakh hybrid and electric vehicles. Out of the total, over 10 lakh are petrol/hybrid vehicles, while over 1.48 lakh are electric (Battery Operated Vehicles) and over 5.07 lakh are diesel/hybrid vehicles.
Andhra Pradesh takes the lead with the highest number of hybrid and electric vehicles, numbering 44,395, followed closely by Delhi with 1,12,262 vehicles. Karnataka has over 2 lakh vehicles, and Tamil Nadu has 1.69 lakh vehicles.
Gujarat is also home to a significant number of hybrid and electric vehicles, with over 1.47 lakh vehicles, including 20,355 electric and 41,109 diesel/hybrid vehicles. Haryana has 53,226 vehicles, while Maharashtra has 2,96,186 vehicles.
Smaller states such as Ladakh, Sikkim, Tripura, and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu have fewer numbers of hybrid and electric vehicles, with Ladakh having 167 vehicles, Sikkim having 198 vehicles, Tripura having 784 vehicles, and UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu having 1,417 vehicles.
India’s efforts towards promoting the adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles are commendable and set the stage for a greener future. With state-wise efforts and the right incentives in place, the nation is poised to make a lasting impact on the environment and take a step towards a more sustainable transportation system.
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