Electric Vehicles In India Likely To Get Green Number Plates Soon

Government likely to dole out more benefits for electric vehicles such as free parking spots and concessional toll

It’s a well-known fact that electric vehicles (EVs) produce lower global warming emissions and cost significantly less to fuel than your average fossil fuel-powered vehicle. So shouldn’t we be buying more of them? Ideally, yes. However, issues such as limited range, the lack of charging infrastructure and long charging times are some of the reasons why many in our country still prefer cars powered by traditional fuels. That said, the government has taken a keen interest in green and clean mobility solutions and is working towards incentivising EV ownership in the country.

According to latest reports, the government has approved the use of green licence plates for all electric vehicles in the country. These plates will have a contrasting white font for passenger vehicles and yellow for commercial ones, including taxis and e-rickshaws.

The move will allow easy identification of electric vehicles. But what’s the need to differentiate an EV from a regular car, you ask? Well, the government is planning to offer preferential treatment to EVs like providing free parking areas, free entry in congested zones and concession on tolls, too. Further, it would be easy to identify and exempt vehicles with green plates from the odd-even rule, if the Delhi government plans on reintroducing it anytime soon.

The Union government is also planning on increasing the number of electric vehicles in public transportation fleets across the country from 2020 onwards. Additionally, it also plans to decrease GST on EV batteries from 18 per cent to 12 per cent soon. Also Read: Mahindra e2oPlus Now Available On Rent In Delhi

While we still don’t have long-range EVs in India, expect this segment to light up like Diwali after 2020. In fact, Tata and Hyundai are expected to join Mahindra in the Indian EV market before that. However, will these policy changes compel you to buy an electric vehicle anytime soon? Discuss your thoughts in the comments section below. Related: Kia Niro EV Revealed, Could Be India-Bound

Source