TS readying policy on electric vehicles

Likely to be launched by year-end, says Jayesh Ranjan

The Telangana government is giving shape to a policy on electric vehicles as a step towards having the necessary regulations and support mechanism in place ahead of the anticipated pick up in popularity of such vehicles.

It would be a comprehensive policy to support EVs, said Industries and IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, adding draft of the policy has been readied after consultation with various stakeholders.

Expecting the policy to be unveiled by the year-end, he said it would delve into a range of aspects associated with EVs from a manufacturer, buyer and user perspective.

The policy is expected to push for incentives to manufacture such vehicles; tax sops to ensure parity in the price of EVs with that of petrol/diesel vehicles and availability of the battery charging infrastructure.

Mr. Rajan, who was speaking at the launch of the Smart Mobility and Transportation Cluster at T-Hub, said several suggestions have been received and there were signs of a strong mobility system emerging. Already, some of the large R&D companies in the automotive area have set up shop in Hyderabad, a list that includes German major ZF. With the Centre already declaring its intent to promote country’s transition to 100% EVs by 2030, Telangana wants to catch the opportunity, Mr. Ranjan said.

As a first step towards the promotion of EVs, it has been decided to promote last mile connectivity—from and to the metro stations—through such vehicles. Cab aggregators would be involved in this task, he said, adding that the government was also looking to make the required changes in the rules to facilitate the operations of electric auto-rickshaws.

The Smart Mobility and Transportation Cluster at T-Hub would help innovation in the space of EV and autonomous driving and other cutting-edge technologies.

T-Hub CEO Jay Krishnan said, “Urban mobility is a highly relevant and key concern in this rapidly-developing time and has opened up a lot of entrepreneurial opportunities. T-Hub is eager to collaborate with the Telangana government and various departments of the Centre on policy formulation in line with the innovations and findings of the programme.”

Start-ups from across the globe in the transportation space would be invited to the cluster programme, a release said.