According to a senior government official, the Bihar government has approved the state’s Electric Vehicle Policy-2023, which aims to achieve a 15% share of EVs in all vehicle registrations by 2028. This initiative’s main objective is to hasten the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering financial incentives for their purchase and setting up the necessary infrastructure for charging them. The strategy, according to Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth (cabinet secretariat), is a critical step in reducing environmental pollution and improving petroleum security.
The ambitious goals for the next five years running up to 2028 are outlined in the revised Electric Vehicle Policy-2023. The programme offers a number of initiatives to encourage the use of electric vehicles, such as up to 75% in motor vehicle (MV) tax subsidies and up to INR 1.25 lakh in purchase incentives for the first 1,000 personal four-wheeler EVs. Moreover, the first 10,000 personal two-wheeler electric vehicles are eligible for comparable perks, which include up to a 75% tax subsidy on motor vehicles and up to INR 10,000 in purchase incentives.
The Transport Secretary, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, outlined the several objectives that the state’s EV Policy seeks to accomplish. In addition to providing readily available electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the Bihar Electric Motor Vehicle Policy seeks to advance the State’s electric vehicle transportation system. In addition to encouraging new businesses and investments in the electric mobility industry and its supporting industries, it aims to improve environmental quality by reducing air pollution, he stated.
Renewable Energy for EV Charging Stations
By reducing air pollution, encouraging new ventures and investment in the electric mobility space, and bolstering related businesses, the strategy seeks to enhance the quality of the environment. With approved tariff rates set at INR 8/KvA for high-tension EV charging stations in the fiscal year 2023–2024, it also promotes the usage of renewable energy for EV charging stations.
Six Districts Will Get New Electric Buses
Incentives for disposing of EVs and their parts are also outlined in the policy. The transport department’s request to purchase 400 electric buses for six districts in Bihar under the “PM-e Bus Sewa” programme has also received permission from the state cabinet. These buses are intended to lessen dependency on conventional petrol and diesel-powered public transportation by operating throughout Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Purnea.
Furthermore, the cabinet has authorised updated budget estimates of INR 95 crore for the building of two auditoriums in the West and East Champaran districts, each with 2,000 seats.
The adoption of the Electric Vehicle Policy-2023 by Bihar is a major step in the direction of a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The state is poised to take the lead in reducing its environmental effects and promoting innovation in the electric mobility industry with its aggressive goals for EV adoption, incentives, and charging infrastructure.
Bihar has demonstrated its commitment to embracing eco-friendly transport options for a greener and healthier future with the introduction of electric buses and a pledge to use renewable energy for charging stations.
