Latest news with #EVPolicy
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Chandigarh launches electric vehicle portal, reviews solar initiatives
Chandigarh: The Electric Vehicle (EV) Portal – – was launched on Tuesday. "The portal aims at improving accessibility and transparency for EV beneficiaries in the Union Territory by providing a user-friendly digital platform. It enables eligible citizens to apply online for subsidies under the Chandigarh EV Policy, track application status in real-time, and access a location-based map of all public EV charging stations across UT Chandigarh, integrated with Google Maps for easy navigation," said a UT spokesman. The official launch took place during the governing body meeting of CREST (Chandigarh Renewable Energy and Science & Technology Promotion Society) held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of UT chief secretary Rajeev Verma. The chief secretary acknowledged that Chandigarh had achieved saturation in the installation of solar photovoltaic (SPV) plants across all government buildings – a significant milestone reflecting the city's commitment to sustainable energy and a low-carbon future. To ensure the continued efficiency and performance of the existing solar infrastructure, the chief secretary directed CREST to initiate third-party audits of all SPV projects that have been operational for five years or more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Birla Evara 3 and 4 BHK from ₹ 1.75 Crore* Birla Estates Learn More These audits will promote accountability and long-term sustainability of solar assets. He also emphasised that technically innovative projects – such as SPV plants proposed over cycle tracks – must be thoroughly evaluated for feasibility, performance, and aesthetics, with close coordination involving the UT chief architect. "The Chandigarh administration remains steadfast in its vision to transform the city into a model of clean energy by integrating smart technology, promoting renewable energy adoption, and advancing sustainable mobility," said the spokesman. MSID:: 122980826 413 |
Hindustan Times
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt extends current EV policy till March 2026, plans BS4 truck retrofitment for BS6 compatibility
The Delhi government aims to have a wider and comprehensive public consultation about the draft EV Policy before its implementation. (Getty Images via AFP) Notify me The Delhi government has decided to extend the current Delhi EV Policy until March 31, 2026, as it aims to facilitate wider public consultation for the draft of the new policy. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh on Tuesday announced that the draft of the new Delhi EV Policy will undergo wider public consultation, which is expected to take time, resulting in an extension of the current EV Policy. PTI quoted Singh saying that the policy extension was among the matters listed for Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, and it has been decided to extend the same. 'The current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy has been extended until March 31, 2026, or until a new policy is approved, whichever is earlier," Singh reportedly said to the news agency. The minister said that the move aims to facilitate comprehensive consultations with all the relevant stakeholders, including citizens, industry experts, private organisations, and environmental groups. During this extended period, key provisions of the Delhi EV Policy will be discussed, including strengthening the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, reviewing subsidies and waivers to boost EV adoption, developing robust systems for safe e-waste and battery disposal, and clearly defining the role of the public and private sectors in advancing the electric mobility ecosystem. Singh added that given Delhi's air pollution crisis, this participatory approach is seen as a crucial step towards framing a more effective, inclusive, and forward-looking EV policy that promotes clean and sustainable urban transport. He also added that the government has urged active public participation in the consultation process to collectively shape the future of electric mobility in the capital. The current Delhi EV Policy was first introduced in 2020. It lapsed in August 2023, but since then, it has been extended multiple times. The Delhi government had discussed the draft policy on April 15 but deferred the approval of key proposals, including the phasing out of CNG auto-rickshaws and fossil fuel-based two-wheelers within two years. The draft policy envisions 100 per cent electric vehicle adoption in the national capital over the next three years. Delhi govt plans to retrofit BS4 trucks to BS6 compatibility In view of the approaching ban on the entry of BS4 trucks in the national capital, the Delhi government is going to invite innovative ideas for retrofitting of these commercial vehicles to meet BS6 compliance, said Delhi's Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Tuesday. The minister has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to hold an innovation challenge to find technological solutions to the issue. PTI has reported that the winning entry, whose technology will be used by the government, will be awarded a prize money of ₹ 25 to ₹ 50 lakh. The innovation challenge will be held in three stages — in the first stage, the proposal will be evaluated based on the paper submitted; the second stage will be focused on carrying out an exhaustive study of the proposal, following which ₹ 5 lakh will be given for testing the technology as part of the third stage. The certification will be given by The National Physical Laboratory (NPL). Sirsa said that if commercial vehicles won't be allowed to enter Delhi, it would lead to a crisis. "We will hold this challenge to invite solutions for retrofitting of BS4 trucks," he reportedly said. The minister also added that this will also help in curbing pollution in the national capital. The challenge will also involve finding solutions to reduce emissions from BS4-compliant vehicles. "The innovation challenge will be focused on identifying and promoting low-cost, easy-to-maintain and effective technological solutions capable of reducing/absorbing PM 2.5 and PM 10 emissions of at least twice the amount emitted from BS-IV vehicles operating," the minister said. This move from the Delhi government comes at a time when, from November 1 this year, only BS6, CNG or electric commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the city. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 23 Jul 2025, 08:02 am IST
New Indian Express
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Delhi government extends EV policy till March 26 amid ongoing public consultations on draft version
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government on Tuesday extended the current Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy till 31st March 2026 or until the notification of a new policy, whichever is earlier, as the draft of the new policy will undergo public consultation, which is expected to take time The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta at the Delhi Secretariat earlier in the day. 'The extension will enable the Transport Department to conduct comprehensive consultations with all stakeholders — including citizens, industry leaders, academic experts, environmental groups, and both public and private institutions. These discussions will focus on enhancing EV charging infrastructure, reviewing existing incentives and subsidies, establishing robust e-waste and battery disposal mechanisms, and clearly defining public-private roles in Delhi's evolving EV ecosystem,' the government said in a statement. The current EV Policy has been extended multiple times under both the previous AAP government and the current government led by the BJP. In June, Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh had said the government plans to roll out the EV Policy 2.0 by July.
Arab News
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Pakistan unveils new EV policy with over $353 million in subsidies for electric bikes, rickshaws
ISLAMABAD: The government on Thursday unveiled Pakistan's new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025-30, announcing a five-year subsidy of over Rs100 billion ($353 million) for electric bikes and rickshaws. The move comes amid a steady rise in electric vehicle adoption in a market traditionally dominated by Japanese automakers. Pakistan's urban areas exhibit some of the world's highest levels of air pollution, with road transport being a major contributor. Chinese and Korean EV brands are increasingly entering the local market, making these vehicles a more frequent sight in cities such as Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. 'Total subsidy over five years will be over Rs100 billion and it will basically be focused on the two-and-three wheelers,' Haroon Akhtar Khan, a close aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, told a news conference. 'We will have subsidized financing for 116,053 electric bikes, 3,171 rickshaws.' 'A Rs9 billion [$31 million] subsidy will be allocated, and it is already there in the 2025-26 budget,' he continued. Khan added the government also allocated a 25 percent quota for women to increase their mobility. He projected the initiative will help with the annual savings of Rs283 billion ($1 billion) in fuel costs and a reduction of 4.5 million tons of carbon emissions. Khan said Pakistan's new EV policy was aimed at disincentivizing internal combustion engine vehicles and promoting electric mobility to help cut greenhouse gas emissions that damage the earth's ozone layer. He informed Pakistan has around 70,000 electric motorcycles, 5,200 electric cars and 450 electric buses, adding the government issued 61 manufacturing licenses for electric two- and three-wheelers including motorcycles and rickshaws. Khan also acknowledged the country lacks adequate EV charging infrastructure and faces challenges related to the absence of safety and quality standards. He said the government aims for 30 percent of all new vehicles produced over the next five years to be electric. 'So, we are establishing new electric vehicle testing rules, safety and emission standards,' he said. 'We have to make sure that if anybody is manufacturing an electric vehicle there are no emissions,' he continued. 'Another thing is battery disposal. We don't want to create any environmental problem that the battery is not disposed properly.' The country previously approved an ambitious National Electric Vehicles Policy (NEVP) in 2019, aiming for electric vehicles to make up 30 percent of all passenger car and heavy-duty truck sales by 2030. The policy set an even more ambitious target of making 90 percent of all vehicle sales electric by 2040.
Arabian Post
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Delhi Gears Up to Launch New Electric Vehicle Policy Next Month
Delhi's government is set to introduce an updated Electric Vehicle Policy next month, aiming to enhance sustainable transport options and aggressively combat the city's longstanding pollution challenges. The forthcoming policy update builds on the foundation laid by the original EV Policy, which has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the capital. This next iteration emerges following a comprehensive review by an expert committee tasked with assessing the policy's effectiveness and identifying areas for refinement. The city's persistent struggle with hazardous air quality has propelled the administration to double down on measures that reduce emissions, with electric vehicles representing a critical component of the broader environmental strategy. The new policy framework is expected to focus on improving public and private transport through increased incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory support. The objective is to not only facilitate the switch from conventional fossil fuel vehicles to EVs but also to ensure a seamless ecosystem that supports electric mobility for consumers and manufacturers alike. One of the central features under consideration is the expansion of subsidies and financial incentives for buyers of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars. Since the initial policy launch, Delhi has witnessed a steady rise in EV sales, spurred by subsidies, easier registration processes, and preferential parking privileges. The new policy aims to amplify these benefits, possibly increasing the subsidy amounts to align with technological advancements and market trends. The government is also exploring differentiated incentives to encourage the uptake of electric commercial vehicles and public transport fleets, recognising their substantial contribution to urban emissions. ADVERTISEMENT Charging infrastructure remains a pivotal challenge in the EV transition. To address this, the updated policy will emphasise the accelerated deployment of charging stations across the city, including residential complexes, commercial hubs, and public spaces. The government plans to partner with private players and utility providers to establish a robust network, minimising range anxiety among potential EV users. Additionally, the policy will advocate for streamlined permitting processes to facilitate rapid infrastructure rollout. These measures aim to create a user-friendly environment that supports daily electric vehicle operations without hindrance. Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 is also expected to incorporate measures aimed at fostering local manufacturing and innovation. The capital's position as a key market and production hub in India for electric vehicles offers significant economic potential. The government is likely to introduce incentives for companies investing in research and development, battery manufacturing, and vehicle assembly within the city. This approach is designed to generate employment, encourage technological advancement, and reduce dependency on imports, especially in critical components such as lithium-ion batteries. Environmental experts have welcomed the policy update, highlighting its potential to drastically reduce the city's vehicular pollution, which accounts for a significant share of Delhi's air quality problems. Dr. Anita Sharma, an environmental scientist based in Delhi, notes that 'an effective EV policy not only addresses tailpipe emissions but also signals a shift towards sustainable urban planning and cleaner energy use.' She points out that integrating renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure could further enhance the policy's impact by ensuring that electric vehicles operate on green electricity rather than fossil-fuel-based power. However, some challenges remain. The affordability of electric vehicles, despite subsidies, continues to be a barrier for many consumers. While the policy aims to widen access, the upfront cost of EVs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles can deter lower-income buyers. Analysts suggest that targeted financing options and longer-term incentives could help bridge this gap. Moreover, the sustainability of the electric vehicle supply chain, including the ethical sourcing of battery materials, is gaining attention among policymakers and activists alike. Delhi's transport department has reiterated its commitment to transparency and public consultation throughout the policy finalisation process. Public workshops and stakeholder meetings have been conducted to gather feedback from industry experts, civil society groups, and consumer representatives. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the policy is balanced, practical, and aligned with the city's unique mobility landscape. ADVERTISEMENT The new policy comes amid increasing competition among Indian cities to become leaders in electric mobility. Metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have also been rolling out ambitious EV incentives and infrastructure projects. Delhi's updated framework is expected to set a benchmark in terms of scale and ambition, potentially serving as a model for other regions seeking to tackle urban pollution through cleaner transportation alternatives.
