HP’s New Electric Vehicle Policy Aims at Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Mobility Solutions
The primary objective is to make battery electric vehicles (BEVS) form at least 15% of the new vehicle registrations by 2025, said transport director Anupam Kashyap.
He said the government would incentivise the adoption of EVs across segments and also create a network of public charging stations.
Himachal Pradesh government has proposed a new Electric Vehicle Policy-2021, aiming to promote sustainable, safe, eco-friendly, inclusive, and integrated mobility solutions, and establish Himachal as a model state for electric-vehicle (EV) adoption among hilly states.
The primary objective is to make battery electric vehicles (BEVS) form at least 15% of the new vehicle registrations by 2025, said transport director Anupam Kashyap.
He said the government would incentivise the adoption of EVs across segments and also create a network of public charging stations. At least one charging station would be made available within every 1km x 1km grid in major cities and towns, and at least one slow-charging station (on each side) will be created every 25km on state highways.
At least one fast-charging point (on each side) every 50kms on busy national highways will also be deployed.
He said the policy aims to make three cities-Shimla, Baddi, and Dharamshala- model cities for EV readiness and adoption. Besides, it also envisages the electrification of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses and cabs.
“The government aims to create employment opportunities related to the development of the EV ecosystem in the state,” he said.
Funding and implementation
Kashyap said an umbrella state EV fund will be created using a ‘feebate structure’, where fees are applied to ICE vehicles to raise funds that are returned as rebates in the form of incentives.
The state EV fund will be capitalised from sources such as additional road tax and/or registration fees charged to ICE vehicles, green tax on ICE vehicles registered in the state, pollution cess on petrol and diesel vehicles sold in the state.
Apart from it, the funds will be generated from air-quality parking surcharge applicable to ICE vehicles and penalties levied on vehicles entering or idling in low/zero-emission zones during time periods decided by urban development agencies.
The policy also proposes to constitute a state EV secretariat to ensure the effective funding and implementation of the policy under the oversight of the high-power committee.
He said the government will also hold regular consultations with industry and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation of the policy and its provisions.
In addition, an awareness drive will be launched to promote EVs and their benefits.
Tax and non-tax exemptions
Under the policy, all electric vehicles have been exempted from payment of road tax under the Himachal Pradesh Motor Vehicles Taxation Act. Commercial EVs have also been exempted from requiring permits.
The director said that at least one low/zero-emission zone in each of the three model cities will be created where only EVs, walking, and cycling will be permitted. Tourist spots, eco-sensitive areas, and reserve forests will be identified by the urban development agency and timings and regulations will be notified accordingly.
Also, a reserve percentage of parking slots for EVs (with charging infrastructure) in high-volume parking spaces will be provided.
He said the strategy is to promote demand creation for EVs through the provision of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, the creation of dedicated infrastructure for charging of EVs through the provision of capital subsidies and mandatory the use of EVs at the institutional level, starting with public transport and government entities.
The state has more than 18 lakh registered vehicles (both private and transport) of which 233 are battery operated.
HRTC is currently operating 50 electric and 75 electric buses. Fifty buses run in Shimla and 25 are on the Manali to Rohtang Pass route.
The state has been sanctioned 100 e-buses under FAME II.
Source: hindustantimes
