Electric Vehicle Subsidy Policy in West Bengal 2024

Being one of the most populous states in India, West Bengal contributes about 6% of the overall vehicles sold in the country. In line with the global as well as national objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the West Bengal government is actively focusing on adopting and producing electric vehicles. It will help in bringing down the carbon footprint in the transport sector.

The state government of West Bengal has come up with an Electric Vehicle Subsidy policy to transform the state into a leader in the manufacturing of EVs. Introduced in 2020, the policy will be valid for 5 years and aims to facilitate the development of the EV ecosystem along with the deployment of Electric Vehicles in the state.

The subsidy policy not only benefits consumers but EV manufacturers and charging station providers as well. In this article, we’ll discuss the EV subsidy incentives offered to customers in West Bengal.

Electric Vehicle EV Purchase Incentives in West Bengal

The government of West Bengal provides subsidy benefits to EV buyers/end users. The purchase incentives given to consumers are in the form of a reduction in the upfront cost of electric vehicles purchased within the policy period. The WB government has allocated a total fund of Rs. 348 crores to support the purchase of EVs (including all vehicle segments) in the state.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-cycles

West Bengal government provides a subsidy of 25% of total vehicle cost (e-cycles) with a maximum incentive cap of Rs. 5000.

A total of 20,000 e-cycles to be incentivized in West Bengal during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-2Wheelers (e-bikes and e-scooters)

A subsidy of Rs. 5000 per kWh with a maximum incentive cap of Rs. 10,000 is available on the purchase of e-2 wheelers registered within the state.

A total of 70,000 registered e-2-wheelers are to be incentivized during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-3 wheelers (e-Rickshaws/e-cart)

The West Bengal government provides a subsidy incentive of Rs. 5000 per kWh of the vehicle battery capacity (maximum incentive cap is Rs. 10,000) on the purchase of registered e-rickshaws and e-carts within the state.

A total of 10,000 e-3 wheelers (e-rickshaws/e-cart) to be incentivized during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-3 wheelers (passenger auto)

A subsidy of Rs. 5000 per kWh with a maximum incentive limit of Rs. 30,000 is available on the purchase of e-3 wheelers (passenger auto) registered within the state.

A total of 12,000 e-3 wheelers to be incentivized during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-3 wheelers (goods carrier)

The WB government provides a subsidy of Rs. 5000 per kWh (maximum incentive cap is Rs. 3,000) on the purchase of registered goods carriers within the state.

A total of 3,000 e-3 wheelers (goods carriers) to be incentivized during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of E-4 wheelers

A subsidy of Rs. 5000 per kWh of the vehicle battery capacity with a maximum incentive of Rs. 1,50,000 is available on the purchase of e-4 wheelers registered in the state.

A total of 7,500 e-4 wheelers to be incentivized during the policy period.

WB Subsidy incentives on the purchase of e-buses

The government of West Bengal provides a subsidy of 10% of total vehicle cost with a maximum incentive cap of Rs. 10,00,000 on the purchase of electric buses.

A total of 1,000 e-buses to be incentivized during the policy period.

Note: Only vehicle segments and models registered under FAME II will be eligible for the state government EV purchase incentives.

Other EV Purchase Benefits in West Bengal

• The Government of West Bengal shall provide for 100% exemption of road tax and registration charges to all the EVs sold in the state during the policy period.

• In addition to that, the WB government shall provide reserved parking and a 100% parking fee waiver to all electrical vehicles (private as well as commercial) at government-operated parking spots in the state during the policy period.

• Customers, who bought an EV (except e-buses) before December 31, 2022, can avail “Early Bird discount” of Rs. 5,000 / kWh of the vehicle battery capacity. This discount shall be provided over and above the purchase incentive and will be capped at Rs. 50,000 per vehicle.

• The state government of West Bengal will also offer interest-free loans to its employees to buy an EV within the policy period.

How to apply for EV Subsidy Policy in West Bengal?

As of now, there is no dedicated website in West Bengal for raising EV subsidy claims. The Government of West Bengal is currently working on it and shall soon develop a dedicated EV incentive portal for applying and tracking subsidy claims. The web portal will ensure smooth policy implementation and early disbursement of subsidies/benefits. EV Subsidy to be disbursed through tech e-enabled framework and mechanism, where customers will first register themselves. After log-in their claims for reimbursement of EV subsidy will be processed, through the local vehicle dealer, post registration of vehicle. The fiscal subsidy incentive is to be disbursed directly into the EV owner’s bank account, through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.

The West Bengal government will also soon be launching a mobile App (EV-Bandhu) and web portal for motorists to get information regarding EVs such as nearest charging stations, workshops, EV purchase incentives, etc.

Check Electric Vehicle Subsidy for other states