Tamil Nadu Works on Improving EV Charging Infrastructure to Boost Adoption: Industries Minister
The government of Tamil Nadu in India is making efforts to enhance the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in order to accelerate the adoption of EVs in the state, according to Industries Minister T R B Rajaa. As part of these efforts, the government has amended a policy to allow battery-operated e-autorickshaws, e-taxis, and e-buses to be issued permits by the transport department without a permit fee. Previously, permits were not being issued to battery-operated passenger vehicles and vehicles that run on methanol or ethanol fuel.
This move comes after a meeting held on June 16 in Chennai, where members of the electric vehicle industry raised concerns to Minister Rajaa. In response, the government quickly amended the policy to allow the registration of e-auto-rickshaws, e-taxis, and private EV buses or passenger vehicles driven on methanol or ethanol fuel without charging a permit fee. As a result, the registration of EVs used for passenger transport will now commence in Tamil Nadu.
Minister Rajaa commended the government’s responsiveness to industry needs, attributing the effective execution of policy changes to the leadership of Chief Minister M K Stalin. This amendment aligns with the government’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2023 and is expected to accelerate the adoption of EVs in Tamil Nadu.
Furthermore, based on industry feedback, the government is also focusing on improving the EV charging infrastructure across the state. These initiatives are aimed at significantly driving up the demand for EVs in Tamil Nadu.
On June 28, the transport department principal secretary, P Amudha, issued an order stating that all battery-operated transport vehicles or vehicles driven on methanol or ethanol fuel (excluding goods vehicles weighing below 3,000 kg) will be issued permits without a permit fee. This policy change fills an important gap and will facilitate the expansion of EV fleets in Tamil Nadu.
In conclusion, Tamil Nadu’s government is actively working towards improving the EV charging infrastructure in the state in order to promote the adoption of electric vehicles. By amending the policy and eliminating permit fees for battery-operated e-autorickshaws, e-taxis, and e-buses, the government aims to accelerate the registration of EVs used for passenger transport. These efforts, along with the focus on enhancing the EV charging infrastructure, are expected to drive up the demand for EVs and align with the state’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2023.
