Delhi electric vehicles push: Subsidy to be sent to bank account soon

NEW DELHI: Delhi government’s plan to transfer subsidies for buying electric vehicles (EV) directly to the bank accounts of buyers is going to start very soon. As part of its ambitious EV policy, the government would provide subsidies of up to Rs 30,000 for two-wheelers and up to Rs 1.5 lakh for cars to promote faster adoption of EVs.

The policy also allows waiving off road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles and the notification to bring these provisions into effect is also expected very soon. TOI was the first to report that the subsidy for buying EVs would be directly transferred to the bank accounts of buyers within seven days of the purchase. According to Delhi government officials, the software developed to allow this direct transfer is ready and is undergoing safety tests at present.

Launched by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on August 7, the government’s comprehensive policy aims to push the adoption of the vehicles by creating a complete EV ecosystem in the capital, which includes incentives for buying new EVs, creating a robust charging infrastructure, funding through various sources like congestion charge, and monitoring mechanism for timely implementation.

While Delhi government plans to roll out all the provisions of the extensive EV policy as early as possible, it wants to ensure that the financial incentives assured under the policy are put in place first. As part of this roll-out plan, the direct transfer of subsidy and waiving off road tax and registration charges are being implemented first.

The government is also trying to ensure that those opting for EVs get the financial benefits without facing any hassles and the development of dedicated software for the transfer of the subsidy is part of this plan. This would allow online filling up of a form at the EV dealership, where bank account details of the buyer would be submitted. This form would be approved by the motor licensing officer of the respective Regional Transport Office (RTO) where the EV would be registered and the amount would be transferred.

After incentive, the other primary aspect the government is working on and will help promote EVs is creating the charging infrastructure. While launching the policy, Kejriwal had said that one of the reasons people do not purchase electric vehicles is that charging is not as easily available as petrol pumps. He had said that keeping this in mind, a huge network of charging stations will be created in Delhi and the government’s target is to create 200 charging stations in the next one year and eventually, creating a charging station every 3 kms.