Telangana EV Policy 2024: Here’s everything you need to know
Telangana has introduced a new electric vehicle (EV) policy to promote cleaner air, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. The policy, which was announced by Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday, November 17, is aimed at tackling air pollution, especially in Hyderabad. At the time of the announcement, Hyderabad’s air quality index (AQI) was 123 (moderate), significantly better than New Delhi’s severe AQI of 494, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Key Features of Telangana EV Policy
The policy, which comes into effect from Monday, provides a 100 percent exemption from road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles for two years, until December 31, 2026. The new policy has abolished the previous limit of 5,000 electric vehicles, which encourages wider acceptance.
The tax exemptions cover a range of vehicles including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial passenger vehicles (taxis and tourist cabs), three-seater auto-rickshaws, electric tractors and electric buses. Under the scheme, two-wheelers can save up to Rs. 15,000, while four-wheelers can save up to Rs. 3 lakh in taxes and fees. Electric buses operated by private companies for the transportation of workers will also benefit from these exemptions.
Government initiatives to support EV adoption
Minister Prabhakar confirmed that the government will work with EV manufacturers to expand charging infrastructure in urban areas, cities and along national and state highways. A scrappage policy aimed at vehicles older than 15 years is being developed.
The policy includes plans to replace nearly 3,000 diesel buses in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area with electric buses in a phased manner.
Vision for a greener Telangana
The Congress-led state government led by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has given priority to reducing pollution in Hyderabad and its surrounding regions. Prabhakar urged citizens considering purchasing new vehicles to opt for electric vehicles to support this initiative for cleaner air and environmental conservation.
