EV Acceleration in UP, CM Proposes Tax Exemptions

Considering the whole country is moving fast forward towards electric vehicles (EV) adoption, the Uttar Pradesh government is bringing advancements to increase the influx of EVs into the state. Recently, the department of industrial development reviewed EVs, during that, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proposed an exemption of road tax and registration fees to promote EVs. To enhance the adoption of EVs, the CM has said that this technology needs to be given priority over conventional fuel like petrol and diesel.

The CM asserted while evaluating the suggested improvements to the Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Policy-2019, since electric vehicle manufacturing was an emerging sector, it was necessary to liberalize the policy and encourage mega investments.

In a conversation with the TOI, He said, “I have directed officials to make policy efforts to encourage manufacturing of electric vehicles in the state for a better future. Proposals have been received from various international automobile companies for setting up electric vehicle manufacturing units in the state. We will be providing all possible help to the companies. This will promote industrial investment in the state.”

He further added, “A center of excellence will be established at the earliest for research and development, testing and certification in the electric vehicle industry. Private electric vehicle parks should be given benefits under the state’s private industrial park scheme and other incentives that have been provided to the bulk drug parks.”

CM also pointed out EVs, said, a revenue-sharing model should be used for setting up charging stations. He also said that there was a need for giving capital subsidies to industries in place of the current rules of SGST reimbursement.

Speaking of e-rikshaws, CM said, e-rickshaws should be promoted over diesel tempos and autos to reduce pollution. For this, he added, drivers of diesel rickshaws should be provided loans under various schemes of the central or state government related to self-employment for the purchase of e-rickshaws.

The fasten acceleration towards EVs is not a concern of a particular state or department, but the central government also is taking several steps forward. Consequently, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways asked the EV industry to shift towards indigenous battery technologies.