City govt plans incentives for electric vehicle users

■ 100 per cent exemption on road tax likely

In an effort to steer people towards electric vehicles, the Delhi government is planning to introduce a slew of measures including providing subsidy to those purchasing electric vehicles, 100 per cent exemption on road tax, incentives on replacement of old vehicle, and charging stations across the city. The city government is ready with a comprehensive electric vehicle policy, which is expected to be made public soon.

According to reports, Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot recently held a meeting to discuss steps that need to be taken to provide a robust infrastructure support in the city for promoting electric mobility. All stakeholders, including the power grid, power distribution companies, and Indian Oil Corporation were present at the meeting. The government is planning to build charging stations across the city like petrol pumps and CNG stations.

The report said that the government is planning to provide subsidy to those opting for electric vehicles as these are more expensive than diesel or petrol ones at present.

“Major incentives will be given for buying electric vehicles,” the state transport minister said.

Earlier in July, the Delhi government approved the hiring of a consultant to run 1,000 electric buses.

Announcing the decision, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet, “Cabinet approves hiring of consultant to run 1,000 electric buses in Delhi. A big step in modernising Delhi’s transport sector and reducing pollution.”

The move came after the Supreme Court questioned the Kejriwal government over its proposal to procure low- floor electric buses.