C'garh CM approves EV policy, aims to develop state as manufacturing hub

raipur: The Chhattisgarh government on Thursday approved its electric vehicle (EV) policy, which aims to develop the state as a manufacturing hub, protect environment and create employment opportunities.

The policy in which road tax and registration fee waivers are provisioned will also encourage the use of EVs, thereby ensuring relief to people bearing the brunt of rising fuel prices, an official said.

The nod to 'Chhattisgarh EV Policy 2022' was granted during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel at his official residence here, he said.

"Chhattisgarh will become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles and their accessories in the coming years. The policy will create unlimited employment opportunities for the youth. The decision will also benefit buyers and manufacturers of electric vehicles and people engaged in research and development work in the sector," a release quoted Baghel as saying.

The policy aims to ensure a healthy environment for a sustainable future for citizens, reduce carbon footprint and minimise the causes of rising concerns of rapidly increasing toxic gas emissions from vehicles, etc, the statement said.

The operations of both commercial and non-commercial vehicles will be encouraged under the policy, it said.

"Under the policy, the government has set a target of five years and aims to have 15 per cent of new registrations of vehicles, either under individual use or commercial use as EVs till 2027," it said.

The state government has announced waiver in the registration fees on the sale of EVs registered in the state during the policy period.

Besides, there will be a complete road tax exemption on all EVs purchased during the first two years from the date of commencement of this policy, it was stated.

After two years, there will be a 50 per cent road tax exemption on EVs purchased in the next two years, while in the fifth year, there will be 25 per cent rebate, the release further said.