Maharashtra has recently revealed its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025. This initiative aims to increase the share of EV registrations to 30 per cent of new vehicle registrations by 2030. The state ranks second in India for EV sales, accounting for 12 per cent of total sales in 2024. The new policy has a substantial outlay of ₹1,995 crore compared to the previous policy’s ₹930 crore.
Enhanced Vehicle Categories for Incentives
The 2025 policy expands the number of vehicle categories eligible for state incentives from five to thirteen. Previously, only cars, two-wheelers, three-wheelers, state transport buses, and four-wheeler goods carriers qualified. Now, heavy commercial vehicles, private buses, and utility vehicles are included. Incentives range from ₹10,000 for two-wheelers to ₹20 lakh for e-buses.
Toll-Free Highways for EVs
To encourage EV adoption, several key highways will be toll-free for electric vehicles. This includes the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link, among others. The toll waiver will be implemented in phases and is separate from the ₹1,995 crore policy outlay.
Strengthening Charging Infrastructure
A critical component of the new policy is the expansion of charging infrastructure. The government plans to establish charging stations at petrol pumps through partnerships with oil marketing companies. It aims for 60-70 per cent of fuel stations to offer charging facilities. Additionally, all state transport bus depots will have dedicated charging spaces.
Support for Public Charging Operators
The state will provide viability gap funding of up to ₹10 lakh to public charging operators wishing to set up new stations. New residential housing societies must include charging infrastructure. Existing societies can opt for it with a majority vote from residents.
Recycling Old EV Batteries
The urban development department will designate specific zones in waste management areas for recycling old EV batteries. This initiative aims to promote sustainability and responsible disposal of EV components.
Current EV Landscape in Maharashtra
As of January 1, 2025, Maharashtra had 48.8 million vehicles on the road, a rise from 45.8 million the previous year. The number of battery electric vehicles registered reached 644,779 by December 2024, up from 394,337 in the previous year. This growth reflects increasing interest in electric mobility.
Future Prospects
Automotive manufacturers are analysing the new policy’s implications. If the charging infrastructure is developed effectively, it could drive EV adoption. Ensuring that remote areas also have access to charging stations is essential for widespread acceptance of electric vehicles.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the significance of Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 in promoting sustainable transportation.
- Critically examine the role of charging infrastructure in the adoption of electric vehicles in urban settings.
- What are the challenges faced by the Government of India in promoting electric vehicles? How can these challenges be addressed?
- Explain the concept of viability gap funding. How does it support the establishment of public charging stations for electric vehicles?
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the significance of Maharashtra’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2025 in promoting sustainable transportation.
- Aims to increase EV registrations to 30% of new vehicle registrations by 2030.
- Substantial outlay of ₹1,995 crore to strengthen infrastructure and incentives.
- Expands eligible vehicle categories from 5 to 13, including heavy commercial vehicles.
- Encourages public and private sector participation in EV adoption.
- Supports toll-free access on key highways to promote EV usage.
2. Critically examine the role of charging infrastructure in the adoption of electric vehicles in urban settings.
- Essential for alleviating range anxiety among potential EV users.
- Plans for charging stations at 60-70% of petrol pumps enhance accessibility.
- Dedicated charging spaces at state transport bus depots improve public transport EV adoption.
- Public charging operators receive funding support, incentivizing station establishment.
- Urban planning mandates charging infrastructure in new and existing housing societies.
3. What are the challenges faced by the Government of India in promoting electric vehicles? How can these challenges be addressed?
- Insufficient charging infrastructure, particularly in remote areas.
- High initial costs of EVs compared to conventional vehicles.
- Lack of consumer awareness and understanding of EV benefits.
- Need for robust recycling systems for EV batteries to ensure sustainability.
- Government can address these by increasing investments, providing subsidies, and enhancing public education campaigns.
4. Explain the concept of viability gap funding. How does it support the establishment of public charging stations for electric vehicles?
- Viability gap funding is financial support to make projects more attractive to investors.
- It helps cover initial costs and operational risks associated with establishing charging stations.
- Encourages private sector investment in the EV charging network.
- Up to ₹10 lakh funding for public charging operators lowers entry barriers for new businesses.
- Facilitates faster development of necessary infrastructure to support EV growth.
