With over 10 million fuel-operated vehicles on the road in Kerala, the state government is finding it challenging to control pollution. The state is popularly known for its environmental sensitivities and biodiversity and, therefore wishes to maintain its authenticity while ensuring sustainable development. To do so, the adoption of e-mobility is the only natural choice the state has in compliance with development ethos.
Recently, the state of Kerala has drafted its EV policy to ensure robust infrastructure for Electric Vehicles, including manufacturing of EV components, a network of charging points, and adequate power availability. Introduced in 2019, the policy shall remain valid for 5 years. All eco-friendly vehicles registered in the state will also be exempted from paying Road tax and Registration fees during the policy period. There are many other benefits that one can avail of by adopting EVs in the state.
Let’s have a detailed look at the Electric Vehicle Policy in Kerala.
Kerala Electric Vehicle Policy- Targets
- Kerala EV policy aims to transition 6000+ buses into Electric Vehicles by 2025.
- Priority transition of three-wheelers to electric vehicles.
- Registration of 1 million EVs in the state by the end of the year 2022.
- Introducing electric boats, and conversion of regular houseboats to electric ones.
- To create e-mobility zones in popular tourist spots (such as Munnar, Kovalam, and Bekal, alongside Technopark, Infopark, and the Secretariat) by mandating to convert all four-wheelers as EVs.
Objectives of EV Subsidy Policy in Kerala
- The key EV policy drivers in Kerala are as follows:
- To play its part in supporting National commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Improving the quality of air by reducing pollution, especially in major cities.
- To promote clean transportation and shared mobility.
- To ensure environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and conservation.
- To increase hardware and software manufacturing of EV components in the State.
- To be able to balance the demand for the electric utility during peak and off-peak power.
Kerala EV Subsidy- Purchase Incentives
- Electric Vehicles registered in the state shall be fully exempted from paying Road tax and Registration charges for the initial three years of the policy period.
- Exemption from toll charges and parking fees.
- The government of Kerala offers an incentive between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 per vehicle for the first 10, 000 e-autos in selected cities.
- Subsidy for solarization for public Electric Vehicle charging stations.
- The subsidy would be available to the residents of Kerala on the purchase of any Battery Operated Vehicle (two / three / four wheelers) @ 15% of the vehicle’s cost or Rs. 5000, whichever is higher.
How to Apply for EV Subsidy in Kerala?
- Eligible EV owners can follow the steps given below to apply for the Electric Vehicle subsidy in Kerala.
- Visit the official EV Kerala portal at https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/en/e-subsidy.
- Register yourself to generate your credentials (username and password).
- After successful registration, log in to the website.
- From the homepage, click on E-Subsidy Application.
- Fill out the application form by providing mandatory details such as bank details, vehicle number, etc.
- Upload the required documents and submit the application form. How to Track Your EV Subsidy Application Status in Kerala?
- Applicants can check the status of their EV subsidy by following the given steps.
- Visit the official EV Kerala portal at https://mvd.kerala.gov.in/en/e-subsidy.
- Log in using your username and password.
- From the homepage, click on Know your E-Subsidy Application Status.
- Applicants can either enter their application number or vehicle number to access the information.
- Confirm the verification code and know the status of your EV subsidy application.