FKCCI seeks subsidies for e-vehicle buyers

Nischith N | NT

Electric vehicles are now gaining acceptance across the country and many states like Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra are providing subsidies to buyers to encourage mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Karnataka government has been lagging in this respect.

In the run up to the state budget, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) has urged the government to follow the Delhi government policy to boost electric vehicle sales.

In a pre-budget memorandum submitted to the state government, FKCCI has suggested waiving off registration fee and road tax on all electric vehicles. This will help young unemployed youth both in urban, semi-urban and rural areas. “Electric four-wheelers will get an incentive of up to Rs 1.5 lakh.

The Delhi Government has requested all Automobile Manufacturers to provide such incentive as an initial offer. The incentives announced by the Delhi Government will be applicable in addition to the existing FAME-2 benefits offered by the Union Government.

Apart from making the e-vehicles more affordable, the Delhi government will also set up more charging across the national capital. Though Karnataka was the first in the country to adopt an electric vehicle police, the total EV vehicles across the state are less than 1 lakh.

FKCCI President I.S. Prasad said, “We have advised the government to come up with new plans and initiatives to encourage e-vehicles sales like other states. Many state governments offer Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 as incentive for EV batteries, apart from providing other exemptions, Karnataka needs such a scheme.”