The Transport Department of the Government of Meghalaya has issued the ‘Meghalaya Electric vehicle Policy, 2021’, which aims to ascertain electric vehicles (EV) representing 15% of the state’s overall vehicle mix by 2025. The policy will remain in operation for five years from the date of its notification.
Objectives
Aim of the policy to bolster the state’s EV ecosystem by ensuring sufficient power supply, a wide network of charging points at a fair tariff, and adequate service centers. In a phased manner, government institutions, boards, undertakings, and development authorities are going to be encouraged to adopt EVs. The Meghalaya Transport Corporation’s buses will be gradually replaced with battery power electric vehicles. The Commissionerate of Transport will be the nodal agency to implement the new policy.
Incentives
Meghalaya will offer a purchase subsidy of ₹10,000 (~$137)/kWh for the first 3,500 electric two-wheelers priced below ₹150,000 (~$2,056) purchased and registered in the state during the policy period. The first 200 electric three-wheelers priced below ₹500,000 (~$6,852) will get a purchase subsidy of ₹4,000 (~$55)/kWh. The first 2,500 electric cars priced below ₹1.5 million (~$20,556) will get a purchase subsidy of ₹4,000 (~$55)/kWh. A purchase subsidy of ₹4,000 (~$55)/kWh will be given to the first 30 hybrid four-wheelers priced below ₹1.5 million (~$(~$20,556).
As an incentive for electric buses, the state will offer a ₹4,000 (~$55)/kWh purchase subsidy for the first 30 EV buses priced below ₹20 million. The government will also encourage setting up charging stations for these buses under the public-private partnership model.
The policy hopes to spice up the supply of EV charging stations by identifying land and inspiring private investments at key locations like the Meghalaya Transport Corporation’s depots, Interstate Bus Terminus, Deputy Commissioner’s offices, Secretariat, State Central Library, Urban Affairs Department’s parking lots, other State Government facilities, and commercial buildings such as hotels, shopping malls, cinema halls and apartments.
Recycling and Capacity Building
Meghalaya hopes to encourage reusing EV batteries that have reached the top of their life by setting up recycling units in collaboration with battery and EV manufacturers focusing on ‘urban mining’ for rare materials. Charging station operators will serve as end-of-life battery recycling agencies where EV owners can deposit their old batteries.
The state will also facilitate short-term capacity-building courses on EVs and charging stations in collaboration with educational institutions. The courses will be designed and reviewed along with EV industry stakeholders and offer a brief internship module at partnered original equipment manufacturers.
