Bhubaneswar: There is good news for those who are upgraded to buy vehicles operated with batteries or electricity (eV).
The state has decided to free them from paying motor vehicle tax and registration fees if they make a purchase on December 31, 2025.
The State Trade and Transport Department officially appears with a notification for 100% release with the aim of encouraging the faster adoption of electric vehicles here.
Exceptions have been announced in accordance with the provisions of the Odisha electric vehicle policy, 2021 issued previously, notifications read.
Through its EV policy, the state government seeks to reach at least 20% vehicle registration operated with batteries in 2025 and to promote the manufacture of these vehicles and their components in the state.
The state government has proposed to expand a number of incentives to EV buyers and producers, their batteries and filling stations where separate notice will be issued immediately, officials said.
The state government will also offer financial incentives from Rs 5,000 to 4 Lakh Rs for EV buyers for various categories of vehicles up to 2025.
It is separate, state government employees will get 100% interest-free loans to buy EVs.
It has also been decided that government departments and institutions will provide preferences to employ and buy EV for official use.
The Department of Commerce and Transportation has estimated that the total subsidy in EV purchases will amount to around the RS 190 Crore in the next four years, given the current vehicle registration rate.
During the meeting called by the Chief Secretary of the Suresh Chandra Mohapatra on September 17 to discuss the implementation of the state EV policy, the Department of Trade and Transportation has requested the Ministry of Finance to make budget terms around Rs 47.5 Crore per year to provide subsidies to EV buyers.
The trade and transportation department officials said at all 26.22 lakh vehicles from various registered categories in the state in the past four years, where 82% are two wheels.
“The industry department has been asked to encourage manufacturing unit settings for EV in all segments,” an official, which is part of the meeting, said.
Epartments will soon come out with a recycling policy that is well-defined well in consultation with the Department of Forest and the environment.