Goa Govt Approves E-mobility Policy, Targets 30% EV Adoption by 2025

With the objective of boosting adoption of electric vehicles (EV) to at least 30% by 2025, the state government has approved the Goa Electric Mobility Promotion Policy (GEMPP) 2021. The policy aims to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs in the sector by 2025.

With the focus on establishing Goa as a model of international standards for EV adoption supported by a world-class charging infrastructure and ecosystem, the policy looks to promote conversion of Internal Combustion Engine (IEC) vehicles to EVs, convert 50% of all ferries to electric by 2025, and encourage start-ups and investment in the field of electric mobility and associated sectors.

The policy wants to promote service units which include electric vehicle and battery repair and maintenance stations, promote R&D, innovation and skill development within the EV sector.

To give the sector a startup thrust, it has envisaged incentives — purchase and scrapping incentives, interest subvention on loans, waiver on road tax and registration fees, a wide network of charging stations and swappable battery stations, and publicly owned database of the same.

Additionally, the government will subsidise the first 3,000 two-wheelers, 50 three-wheelers and 300 four-wheelers.

The policy, which will be applicable for a total of five years from the date of its notification, will cover all classes of two-, three- and four-wheeler EVs, including passenger cars and commercial light/heavy vehicles that are either Battery Electric Vehicles, Strong Hybrid Vehicles or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles.

The department of new and renewable energy will be responsible for the administration of the policy, including constitution of a high-powered committee and a State Electric Vehicle Board, and developing an intensive public outreach programme focused on creating awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles and key elements of the policy.

To achieve its goals, the policy aims at the active incorporation of all sustainable initiatives, including smart- city development, promotion of energy conservation and creation of integrated transport mechanisms.