Get up to Rs 1.50-lakh subsidy on electric cars soon

The Delhi government has pressed the accelerator to usher in an era of clean and green vehicles in the city by offering subsidies of up to Rs 1.50 lakh to motorists who switch to battery-operated cars costing more than Rs 5 lakh.

The Arvind Kejriwal government is also moving in the direction of reducing road tax and VAT imposed at the time of purchasing new electric vehicles, which are environment-friendly due to zero emission, said an official.

Even the battery-run e-rickshaws may get a one-time subsidy of Rs 15,000 if the vehicle is owner driven, its design is authorised by the transport department and registered as per the rules.

“Electric mobility as a means to fight pollution from vehicular emissions was identified as a priority,” said an official, who attended a meeting on battery-run vehicles.

The government plans to begin the experiment with vehicles, including buses, which are used by institutions like schools and colleges with ample space to build charging stations on their premises.

The motorists who purchase new battery cars costing less than Rs 5 lakh may get Rs 30,000 subsidy, said sources in the finance department who attended a discussion among heads of all departments.

“The sops being considered for battery-run vehicles will be a combination of subsidy from the Delhi government and the Centre,” said an official.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said: “Owners of newly purchased battery-operated four wheelers and two wheelers will be given subsidy by the Delhi government, in addition to subsidy introduced by the Central government. This will promote eco-friendly transport.”

The one-time subsidy being considered for electric two wheelers would be Rs 5,500 for vehicles costing more than Rs 25,000. Two wheelers that cost Rs 20,000-25,000 will get a subsidy of Rs 2,000. Two wheelers which cost less than Rs 20,000 will get a subsidy of Rs 1,000.

Sources said that the Kejriwal government’s proposal to promote electric vehicles may supplement the initiative of the Central government’s Department of Heavy Industry that has volunteered to build charging stations in select cities.

Under a national pilot project, the department plans to install charging stations at 45 points, including Delhi.