Ladakh Announces EV policy With Subsidies For Greater Adoption

A new electric vehicle policy has been announced by the Union Territory of Ladakh that comes with a wide range of subsidies that is aimed at encouraging the residents to shift from fossil fuel based vehicles to electric vehicles. According to the officials of the administration, the new e-vehicle policy is a crucial step in realising a self-sustainable, smart, integrated and carbon neutral future of Ladakh.

The Electric Vehicle and Allied Infrastructure Policy wants Ladakh to emerge as the leader in EV adoption in the country. Under the policy, the purchasers of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers get a capital subsidy of 10 per cent. The administration is also offering a heavy subsidy of 25 per cent on public buses as it will lead to sustainable and eco-friendly public transport.

Besides exempting EVs from road tax in Ladakh, there is also a provision that may be termed as ‘early bird’ subsidy. This is available for the first year of the policy.

Holistic Policy

The EV policy gives an equal thrust on the charging infrastructure as well because without good charging facilities, the adoption of EVs will remain a distant dream in Ladakh. The administration is subsidising commercial public EV charging stations for two wheelers, cars and buses.

As per reports, capital subsidy of 25 per cent will be provided on the equipment /machinery or Rs 5 lakh, whichever is less, per station for the first 15 electric vehicle charging stations.  The policy also says that the electric power required by commercial EV charging stations would be charged at domestic rates.

The Regional Transport Officer of Ladakh will implement the EV policy in the UT. He will also be the point of contact besides generating awareness for the policy for greater adoption. The Officer will also be responsible for administering the policy.

Recently, NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd. had signed a MoU with the UT of Ladakh to set up India’s first Green Hydrogen Mobility project. As per NTPC, this will make Leh the first-ever city in the country to have a green hydrogen-based mobility project.