The Indian state of Bihar has
taken a bold step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future with the launch
of its new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2023. This ambitious policy aims to
make Bihar a major EV hub by 2028, and it offers a range of incentives to
attract both EV manufacturers and consumers.
Incentives for EV buyers:
·
Up to Rs. 1.25 lakh subsidy on purchase of the
first 1,000 electric cars.
·
50% subsidy on the registration fee for all EVs.
·
75% rebate on road tax for all EVs.
·
Free charging for the first 5 years for all EVs.
Support for EV infrastructure:
·
Setting up 1,000 EV charging stations across the
state.
·
25% capital subsidy on setting up EV charging
infrastructure.
Promoting EV manufacturing:
·
Land and electricity at discounted rates for EV
manufacturers.
·
Single-window clearance for EV manufacturing
projects.
·
Exemption from stamp duty and electricity duty for
EV manufacturers.
Vehicle Type |
Incentive/Rebate |
Electric Two-Wheelers |
Purchase Incentive:
Rs. 5,000/– per KWH (First 10,000) |
Electric Two-Wheelers |
Motor
Vehicle Tax Rebate: 75% to the First 10,000 electric two-wheelers, and 50% tax rebate
to Subsequent electric two-wheelers |
Electric Three-Wheelers |
Motor Vehicle Tax
Rebate: 50% |
Electric Four-Wheelers |
Purchase
Incentive: Rs. 10,000/- per KWH (First 1000 electric four-wheelers) |
The EV policy implements several
measures to promote the usage of electric vehicles. This entails offering
incentives of up to Rs 1.25 lakh for the first 1,000 personal four-wheeler EVs
and lowering Motor Vehicle Tax by up to 75%. Similar benefits apply to the
first 10,000 personal two-wheeler EVs, including up to a 75% reduction in motor
vehicle taxes and Rs 10,000 in purchase incentives.
The Bihar EV Policy has the
potential to bring several benefits to the state, including:
·
Reduced air pollution: EVs produce zero
tailpipe emissions, which will help improve air quality in Bihar's cities.
·
Lower fuel costs: EVs are significantly
cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles.
·
Increased energy independence: By relying on
EVs, Bihar can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels.
·
Creation of new jobs: The EV sector is
expected to create millions of jobs in India, and Bihar is poised to be a major
beneficiary.
Challenges remain, but the Bihar
EV Policy is a positive step in the right direction. The government's
commitment to promoting EVs is commendable, and the policy offers a
comprehensive package of incentives to make EVs accessible and affordable for
consumers. With continued support from the government and private sector, Bihar
has the potential to become a leader in the Indian EV revolution.
Source: Prabhat Khabar
For the past four years, Chief
Minister Nitish Kumar has led by example by driving an electric car throughout
Patna, emphasizing the need for environmental preservation.
Speaking about the EV policy's
overarching goals, Transport Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal stated:
“The Bihar Electric Motor Vehicle Policy aims to promote an
electric vehicle transport system in the State, complemented by accessible EV
charging infrastructure. It seeks to enhance environmental quality by
mitigating air pollution while fostering startups and investments in the
electric mobility sector and its associated support industries.”
It is important to remember that
the World Resources Institute (WRI) India and other foreign expert agencies
provided input for the 2022 draft of the EV policy. During a Tuesday session
titled "Leading E-Bus Transition: Global Experiences and Learnings"
at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP-28) in
Dubai, WRI India CEO Madhav Pai highlighted the Bihar Electric Vehicle Policy.
Beyond the points mentioned above,
here are some additional aspects of the Bihar EV Policy that are worth noting:
·
The policy focuses on promoting all types of EVs,
including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, buses, and trucks.
·
The policy encourages the development of a circular
economy for EVs by setting up battery recycling facilities.
·
The policy aims to promote the use of EVs in public
transportation, which will further reduce air pollution in cities.
Overall, the Bihar EV Policy is a
well-designed and comprehensive plan with the potential to make a significant
impact on the state's environment, economy, and energy security. With the right
implementation, Bihar can become a model for other states in India on how to
promote electric mobility.
Also, Read: Electric Vehicle Subsidy in Delhi
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