The latest EV policy of Maharashtra aims to have EVs comprising at least 10 percent of total vehicle registrations by 2025
The government of Maharashtra has unveiled its new electric vehicle (EV) policy with some ambitious targets, including achieving 25 percent EV share in public transport run in 5 of its major cities.
Released by the State Environment Minister Aaditya Thackeray and Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Ashish Singh on Tuesday, the new EV policy has updated the previous policy announced in 2018.
As per the new plan, the government of Maharashtra wants at least 10 percent of total vehicle registrations in the State to be EVs by 2025.
Also, through the new Maharashtra EV policy, the aim is to achieve 25 percent EV share in public transport in Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Nagpur and Nashik.
This includes converting 15 percent of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet into EVs by 2025.
Ashish Singh said the government wants to establish 1 GW of battery manufacturing capability and make the State “the top producer of battery driven EVs in India in terms of annual production capability.”
Minister Thackeray stated that the State government is trying to set up EV charging stations in the 5 major cities through several incentives. He added that residential and office areas are “on the priority list to set up EV charging stations.”
Also, the minister said the Centre’s FAME 2 policy and the new Maharashtra EV policy can be combined for greater effectiveness, further going on to add that a major chance can be brought about in the State public transport sector through the EV initiative.
While the State wants to tap MSRTC and civic-run undertakings for the EV initiative, it does understand that the passenger vehicle market may be hesitant as engines are constantly being upgraded to meet latest emissions regulations.
Thackeray also revealed that the government is in talks with all EV makers at present. “Some 73-74 percent ancillary makers of such vehicles are in Maharashtra. If any company conducts a study, they will naturally find Maharashtra a preferred destination,” he declared.
