Pralhad Joshi criticises imposition of life time tax on EVs in Karnataka

'The state’s decision is indirectly encouraging the use of diesel and petrol vehicles by making EVs costlier,' Joshi said in a statement.

New Delhi: Slamming the Karnataka government over its recent electric vehicle (EV) policy decisions, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi on Friday said that the state is moving backwards on clean energy initiatives.

Criticising the Congress government for withdrawing tax exemptions on EVs and imposing a lifetime road tax, Joshi said these measures would make electric vehicles more expensive and less affordable for common people, especially the middle class.

“The state’s decision is indirectly encouraging the use of diesel and petrol vehicles by making EVs costlier,” he said in a statement.

He urged the Siddaramaiah-led government to reconsider its approach, warning that such policies could hinder India’s vision of a sustainable future.

While other states are actively promoting EV adoption through tax benefits and supportive policies, Karnataka appears to be discouraging green energy alternatives, he remarked.

The minister alleged that the imposition of lifetime tax on EVs was primarily aimed at increasing revenue, and accused the state government of prioritising short-term revenue generation over long-term sustainable development.

Joshi emphasised that the entire country is moving towards sustainable and clean energy solutions, and expressed concern that Karnataka’s actions could undermine broader environmental goals.