Maharashtra's New Electric Vehicle Policy To Unveil By March 30: Read Before Buying A New Car

The Maharashtra state government is set to introduce a new Electric Vehicle (EV) policy, which will replace the existing one expiring on March 30, according to a Lokmat report. State Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar confirmed that the new policy will be announced within the next three months, following a thorough review of the current regulations.

Maharashtra first implemented its Electric Vehicle Policy in 2022, with the original policy valid until March 30, 2025. The policy aimed to ensure that by 2025, 10 per cent of the total registered vehicles in the state would be electric, with the target rising to 30 per cent by 2030. As of 2024, the state has made significant progress towards these goals, with nine per cent of all registered vehicles now being electric.

The state's efforts to reduce air pollution have drawn attention from the judiciary, with the High Court raising concerns about rising pollution levels in urban areas. The court has called for a shift towards alternative fuels for vehicles. In response, Bhimanwar assured that the new policy would take these concerns into account and consider the promotion of alternative fuel options as well.

Despite the growing adoption of electric vehicles, several challenges remain. There are concerns over the availability of sufficient charging infrastructure, the range of electric vehicles, and vehicle safety standards. To address these issues, a special committee has been formed to assess the situation. The committee will submit a report that will help shape the new policy. Once approved, the new EV policy will be put into effect.

This shift towards a greener, more sustainable future aims to reduce emissions and encourage more eco-friendly transportation options across the state.