Kerala nod for e-vehicle policy

The government of Kerala has final is edan electric vehicle( EV) policy forth estate. The Cabinet approval came with some changes in the draft policy. One aim is to pro cure 6,000 electric buses forth estate road transport corporation by 2025. In the firstphase, EV buses will plyin Thiruvanant ha pu ram. Other vehicles powered by electricity are tobe progressive ly phased in. Charging stations will be set up. Useofe-rickshawsistobe expanded through Automobiles. other incentives wouldbegiven, fromboth central and state governments. The state Budget for 2019-20 has proposed to ensure arise in the number of E Vs to a million by 2022. An e-mobilityis to be started, with ~12croreallocation. Around 10,000 electric autos will be given a subsidy from this year. The Budget also proposes a 50 per cent concession on road tax for five years to newly registered e-rickshaws. For other EVs, a 25 per cent concession for five years. Charging stations will be established with help from private investors. Gradually, only electric autos will be permitted in major towns. The government has also started discussion with a Swiss company to manufacture electric buses, as a joint venture. When the state road transport body turns to e-buses on a large scale, the supplier firm might be asked to start a manufacturing centreinKerala. Allied industries will be developed, says the Budget document. Under the new policy, the state will promote the setting up of factories for making EVs, ancillary units and research facilities.