Delhi govt to incentivise use of electric vehicles

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Government is likely to soon announce a new policy to incentivise people to shift away from fossil fuels as an energy source towards electric energy, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said. "The cost of electric buses at Rs 2.75 crore is way too high and unsustainable. I would request the Central government for more subsidies along with financial and technical help," he said addressing an Assocham International Conference on 'Electric vehicles: Future roadmap for India.'

Gahlot also said clarity on power tariff is very important for quoting the rates for adopting electric vehicles. "I think we should look towards subsidy on the power to be consumed by electric vehicles."

The Minister said it is imperative to bring down cost of electric vehicles to make them affordable and viable for public transportation. He also sought clarity on the centre's Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles scheme. Gahlot also said that while Delhi government has already given the commitment to induct 100 electric buses, it is willing to increase the fleet to 1,000 as soon as possible.