Bihar Aims To Go Green With New EV Policy; Govt Offers Mega Incentives

The Bihar government has given its nod to the state Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy-2023, with the target of achieving a 15 per cent share of EVs in all vehicle registrations by 2028, as announced by a senior government official. The primary goal of this initiative is to accelerate the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by providing incentives for their purchase and establishing essential charging infrastructure. S Siddharth, the additional chief secretary (cabinet secretariat), stated that the policy is a crucial step towards addressing environmental pollution and enhancing fuel security.

The new EV Policy-2023 outlines ambitious objectives for the next five years leading up to 2028. To encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, the policy introduces several measures, including subsidies on Motor Vehicle (MV) Tax of up to 75 per cent and purchase incentives of up to INR 1.25 lakh for the first 1,000 personal four-wheeler EVs. Additionally, similar benefits are extended to the first 10,000 personal two-wheeler EVs, with subsidies on motor vehicles tax of up to 75 per cent and purchase incentives of up to INR 10,000.

Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, the Transport Secretary, highlighted the multifaceted goals state’s EV Policy aims to achieve. “The Bihar Electric Motor Vehicle Policy aims to promote an electric vehicle transport system in the State, complemented by accessible EV charging infrastructure. It seeks to enhance environmental quality by mitigating air pollution while fostering startups and investments in the electric mobility sector and its associated support industries,” he said.

Renewable Energy for Charging Stations

The policy aims to improve environmental quality by mitigating air pollution, promotion startups and investments in the electric mobility sector, and supporting associated industries. It also encourages the use of renewable energy for EV charging stations, with approved tariff rates set at INR 8/KvA for high tension EV charging stations in the fiscal year 2023-24.

New Electric Buses for Six Districts

Furthermore, the policy outlines provisions for incentives for scrapping EVs and their components. The state cabinet has also given approval to the transport department's proposal to procure 400 electric buses under the "PM-e Bus Sewa" program for six districts in Bihar. These buses will operate in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Purnea, aiming to reduce reliance on traditional petrol and diesel-powered public transport.

In addition, the cabinet has approved revised budget estimates of INR 95 crore for the construction of two auditoria, each with a seating capacity of 2,000, in West and East Champaran districts.

Conclusion

Bihar's approval of the Electric Vehicle Policy-2023 marks a significant stride towards a greener and sustainable future. With ambitious targets for EV adoption, incentives, and charging infrastructure, the state is set to lead the way in mitigating environmental impact and fostering innovation in the electric mobility sector. The introduction of electric buses and a commitment to renewable energy for charging stations showcase Bihar's commitment to embracing eco-friendly transportation solutions for a cleaner and healthier tomorrow.