Uttarakhand is set to introduce its Electric Vehicle (EV) policy within the next month, as the industry department finalizes the draft and awaits feedback from government departments. The proposal is expected to be placed before the Cabinet soon.
Rajshekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman of the Setu Commission, stated that several impactful suggestions have been incorporated into the draft policy following the Commission’s recommendations. He emphasized that the EV policy is both environmentally necessary and economically beneficial for the state, and the government is making serious efforts for its early implementation.
The draft policy revolves around four key components:
- Manufacturing: The policy promotes in-state production of EVs. Automotive companies such as Tata and Mahindra have expressed interest in investing in Uttarakhand’s EV manufacturing sector.
- Procurement Commitment: The government aims to commit to EV adoption within public sector fleets.
- Incentives: Citizens purchasing EVs made in Uttarakhand will receive financial incentives.
- Charging Infrastructure: A robust charging network is planned across the state to support EV adoption.
The draft was prepared after thorough consultations and studies, including discussions with major players in the automobile sector. According to Joshi, departments’ inputs are crucial as government vehicles are expected to transition to electric. Once feedback is received, the final proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
