NEW DELHI: Concerned over rising pollution, the Centre will promote electric vehicles as public transport in cities with a population of over 10 lakh. Such cities will get Rs 105 crore each as subsidy for buying pollution-free electric vehicles.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has sought proposals from states for buying such vehicles. Officials said rising levels of pollution was one of the main reasons pushing the authorities to promote electric vehicles for public or government use. “This will be done by extending demand incentives in a combination of electric buses, electric four-wheeler passenger cars and electric three-wheelers,” said an official.
From the total fund of Rs 105 crore, subsidy for electric passenger cars and electric three-wheelers will be given at the time of placement of supply orders. Subsidy for buses will be given in proportion to the payment released by the state against supply orders.
In addition to the Rs 105 crore, funding of up to Rs 15 crore will be provided for setting up of charging infrastructure.
With a focus on a clean and green environment, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) Electric Vehicles in India Scheme was launched on April 1, 2015, to promote use of electric vehicles. “Under the scheme, market creation through demand incentives is aimed at incentivising all vehicle segments, including passenger cars and buses,” said an official of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
E-vehicles for public transport
Types: Buses, passenger cars and three-wheelers
For cities with population of over 10 lakh: Subsidy of `105 crore for purchase of e-vehicles for FY 2017-18 for each city
Objective: To encourage comprehensive air quality solution of cities and to promote multi-modal public transportation system through shared electric mobility