Over 5.17 Lakh EVs Registered over Three Years in India Under FAME

The Ministry of Heavy Industries of India declared that India registered a total of 5,17,322 electric vehicles (EVs) over three years under the FAME scheme. 

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme was launched in 2015 to promote the adoption of EVs in the country. At present, Phase-II of the FAME is being implemented for 5 years, starting from April 01, 2019, with total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crores. 

Minister of State for Heavy Industries Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar provided this information to the Lok Sabha in a written reply on Tuesday. He added that 1,04,806 EVs have been registered in the country during 2021 (till July 19).

However, in 2018, 1,31,554 EVs were registered in India, this number jumped to 1,61,314 during 2019. In 2020, there was a dip in the number of EVs registered at 1,19,648, totaling 5,17,322 as per data provided by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. 

The Minister also informed that FAME II focuses on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation and aims to support, through subsidies, 7090 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars, and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers. Along with 38 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of e-2W, e-3W & e- 4W have been registered under FAME II Scheme as of 9th August 2021. 

Recently, under FAME-II, the demand incentive for e-2W is increased to Rs. 15,000/KWh from Rs. 10,000/KWh with an increase in cap from 20% to 40% of the cost of the vehicle to increase adoption of e-2W. Further, the phase-II of FAME-India Scheme is extended for two years after 31st March 2022.

The ministry enlisted some initiatives taken up by the Government of India for the promotion of EVs in the country –

1. The Government on May 12, 2021, approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country to bring down prices of batteries in the country. 
2. GST on EVs has been reduced from 12% to 5%; GST on chargers/ charging stations for EVs has been reduced from 18% to 5%.
3. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) announced that battery-operated vehicles will be given green license plates and be exempted from permit requirements.
4. MoRTH issued a notification advising states to waive road tax on EVs, which in turn will help reduce the initial cost of EVs.