Gujarat set to revamp EV policy, strengthen charging network

Gandhinagar: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the Gujarat govt has begun working on a comprehensive action plan aimed at bringing down consumption of petrol and diesel. Senior govt sources said the state’s electric vehicle promotion policy is being overhauled even as efforts are underway to further strengthen charging infrastructure.The Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy was introduced in 2021, offering subsidies on the purchase of two-, three- and four-wheeler electric vehicles across the state. Incentives were also extended in the form of capital subsidies for setting up charging stations and exemption from electricity duty. However, Gujarat has not ranked among the leading states in terms of EV adoption so far.Minister of state for forest, environment and climate change Pravin Mali said that after the Prime Minister’s appeal to cut fossil fuel usage, govt has initiated the process of drafting a fresh action plan along with a revised policy to promote EV adoption.“In coordination with all departments, we are framing a policy to encourage the use of EVs in both govt and private sectors. Charging infrastructure continues to be a major challenge, and we are working on a plan to rapidly expand the EV charging network. In the coming days, govt departments may also shift towards electric vehicles,” the minister said.Meanwhile, the state unit of the Congress has written to the chief minister, seeking an increase in govt subsidy on electric vehicle purchases to accelerate EV adoption. State spokesperson Hiren Banker, in the letter, pointed out that apart from inadequate EV charging infrastructure, there is also a need to provide additional incentives, particularly for women buyers.As part of austerity measures, govt has already issued guidelines to departments, directing them to curb the use of fossil fuels and promote electric mobility. Officials and elected representatives have been asked to retain only one official vehicle and deposit additional vehicles into the govt pool.EV adoption scenario in Gujarat:State’s overall ranking in India Electric Mobility Index is 16th18th in charging infrastructureState’s rank is 27th in adoption of commercial EVs15th nationwide in adoption of private EVs12th in the field of R&D in EV sectorGujarat’s rank in promotion of electric vehicle purchase and operation is 17th(Source: India Electric Mobility Index)