Both Odisha and Meghalaya have announced incentives for EV adoption, EV manufacturing as well as battery assembly operations.
14 Mar 2021 | 21640 Views | By Nilesh Wadhwa
Odisha and Meghalaya have become the latest states in the country to roll out an Electric Vehicle policy. The overall aim is to promote “adoption, adaptation, research & development apart from facilitating growth in employment for circulation among the stakeholders and general public.’
They follow the various state EV policies proposed/drafted by Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
The Odisha EV draft policy says the state aims to target electrification of two-, three-wheelers and light motor vehicles with an aim to achieve 20 percent adoption of EVs by 2025. The state will also promote manufacturing of EVs and its components including battery in the state. In addition, it will also promote innovation and facilitate R&D in the areas relating to EVs and batteries, along with supporting job creation related to driving, selling, financing, servicing, manufacturing and charging of electric vehicles.
Key highlights of Odisha state EV policy
To promote EV manufacturing operations in the state, there will be SGST reimbursement for manufacturing of EVs. The government of Odisha will also explore possibilities of entering into MoUs with lithium-cell manufacturers to set up battery assembly plants in the state. In terms of charging infrastructure, there will be a grant for purchase of charging equipment up to Rs 5,000 for the first 20,000 charging points. Building bye-laws shall be made for all new homes and workplaces to make them EV-friendly with additional power load equivalent to the power required for all charging point.
Odisha is also inviting energy operators to set up charging and battery swapping stations across all cities and along the national and state highways in phases by porting and providing locations at bare minimum rental lease. A list of such locations is to be announced. The government will also provide capital subsidy of 25% to the selected energy operators for the charger installation expenses. A special subsidy shall be allowed for first 500 charging stations. In addition, the government will also encourage battery recycling to ensure no harm to the environment in inflicted.
Meghalaya also plugs in, EV Policy highlights
The state of Meghalaya, which on October 31, 2020 had only 6 EVs, has also unveiled an EV Policy. While the overall population in the state is comparatively less than many other states, it hasn’t deterred the government’s vision to promote green mobility.
The state government says it is committed to provide the requisite impetus towards adoption of at least 15 percent EVs in 5 years in Meghalaya, by providing incentives to a limited number of early EV adopters. The government will provide total subsidy of Rs 25.42 crore for purchase of EVsin the state.
The Meghalaya government will also promote setting up of battery recycling business and EV-related skill courses in collaboration with research institutions. Focus on skill development in light and precision assemblies, electrical powertrains and mechatronics which shall contribute towards improving the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the State. The skilling will provide a manpower pool to cater to service centres, retrofitting and recycling of used batteries.