Recent news reports headlined that despite experiencing a chronic and severe AQI problem, Delhi saw a sharp decline in zero emission electric vehicles (EV) registrations this year. Registrations in the national capital slumped from 1,435 units in January to just 220 in November, a staggering 85% fall. Sector experts say that lack of clarity, whimsical halts and restarts of policy encouraging EV adoption and unrealized promise of benefits have deterred customers from buying EVs in Delhi.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolation for the same is true for several other states too.
To achieve a truly sustainable transportation future, it is critical for Indian states to consistently prioritize the promotion of electric vehicles (EVs). The Central government has introduced various incentives through the PM E-Drive program to encourage EV adoption across different categories. With a reduced Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% on EVs—compared to the significantly higher 28% or more on conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles—the financial environment for EV buyers is becoming increasingly favorable.
Hemal Thakkar, Senior Practice Leader and Director of Consulting at CRISIL, asserts, “State EV policies are a huge propeller of EV adoption.” Ashim Sharma, Partner & Group Head – Business Performance Improvement at Nomura Research Institute (NRI), also emphasizes that state incentives significantly reduce the acquisition costs and total cost of ownership (TCO) for EVs, making them more accessible to consumers. Speaking on similar lines, Saket Mehra, Partner at Grant Thornton Bharat, highlighted that states like Gujarat, Odisha, and Punjab, with compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) exceeding 200% from FY21-24, demonstrate how progressive policies can drive rapid EV growth.
As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), 28 states and Union Territories in India have implemented EV policies, with two more in the pipeline. However, it is vital that these policies evolve continually to keep pace with the rapidly changing EV landscape. The current EV market share stands at only 3.38% of overall vehicle sales, according to the Vahan portal. While some large states including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh have succeeded in achieving double digit penetration, several states are yet to have any meaningful
penetration of EVs. This diversity of state-specific policies mirrors India’s unique challenges, setting it apart on the global stage. A similar case was only seen in the US, where California had a distinct EV policy compared to other states.
Full electrification the only way forward
The Uttar Pradesh government’s recent tax waivers for hybrid cars, alongside similar initiatives in Karnataka, experts warn, are diverting resources from the critical goal of achieving full electrification. Amit Bhatt, India Managing Director at ICCT emphasizes that such investments may hinder progress towards a fully electric future, as hybrids are a stop-gap solution rather than a sustainable strategy.
Moving forward, clarity, alignment and consistency in central and state policies is essential for a cohesive strategy and incentive program to maximize EV adoption. Moreover, financial instruments, such as guarantees for longer-term loans and Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for public charging infrastructure, can significantly enhance EV market penetration.
Need for more clarity to push EV
Previously, vehicles registered under the FAME scheme were also eligible for state-level incentives. However, with the introduction of PM E-Drive, there is a pressing need for clarity regarding the operational dynamics of registering vehicles under state-specific EV policies. Mehra emphasizes that achieving India’s national electrification goals requires a coordinated effort between the central and state governments. “Public-private partnerships and centralized coordination will facilitate seamless implementation and align state-level policies with national net-zero commitments,” he stated.
Reports indicate that battery prices are expected to fall below $100 by 2030, enhancing the competitiveness of electric vehicles (EVs) across most categories, and potentially reducing their reliance on government support. However, Vaibhav Pratap Singh, Executive Director of the Climate and Sustainability Initiative (CSI), believes that e-buses and e-lorries, which require larger battery sizes, may still need assistance beyond 2030, with lorries possibly requiring support until 2040. At that time, the payback periods for EVs—characterized by lower operating costs—will become more competitive, positioning them as a preferred technology despite existing challenges. In the interim, Singh suggests that the government consider introducing financial instruments such as guarantees to encourage financiers to offer longer-term loans, addressing the disadvantage of extended payback periods faced by EVs. Additionally, measures like a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme could enhance the business case for public charging infrastructure, promoting the development of a robust public charging network that supports deeper market penetration of EVs.
States like Assam, Chandigarh, and Telangana were among the first to offer retrofitting subsidies; Assam provides a 15% subsidy (up to INR 15,000) for three-wheelers, while Telangana has emerged as a leader in retrofitting auto-rickshaws, hosting 70% of kit manufacturers based in Hyderabad.
“By retrofitting these high-emission vehicles, which are crucial for public and freight transportation, India can make a substantial impact on advancing electric mobility in mass transit and commercial sectors,” Singh noted.
While many states are implementing innovative measures and policies to promote EV adoption and manufacturing, it is vital that they prioritize fiscal incentives, streamline disbursement processes, provide affordable financing, and eliminate regulatory hurdles related to permits and vehicle registrations. These steps are essential to making the centrally established green goals viable and achievable.
Originally Published in The Economic Times – ET Auto (Online)
