(a) whether the Government is formulating any scheme to give boost to Electric Vehicles (EVs) Industry and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is formulating any battery swapping policy to promote the use of EVs; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES
(SHRI KRISHAN PAL GURJAR)
(a): Yes, sir. Following steps have been taken by the Government for adoption of electric vehicles in the country:
i. The Ministry of Heavy Industries formulated a Scheme Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in 2015 to promote adoption of electric/ hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in the country. At present, Phase-II of FAME India Scheme is being implemented for a period of 5 years w.e.f. 01st April, 2019 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crores.
ii. The Government on 12th May, 2021 approved a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) in the country in order to bring down prices of battery in the country. Drop in battery price will result in cost reduction of electric vehicles.
iii. Electric Vehicles are covered under Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, which was approved on 15th September 2021 with a budgetary outlay of Rs. 25,938 crore for a period of five years.
iv. GST on electric vehicles has been reduced from 12% to 5%; GST on chargers/ charging stations for electric vehicles has been reduced from 18% to 5%.
v. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) announced that battery-operated vehicles will be given green license plates and be exempted from permit requirements.
vi. MoRTH issued a notification advising states to waive road tax on EVs, which in turn will help reduce the initial cost of EVs.
(b) & (c): Yes Sir, Niti Aayog is formulating the battery swapping policy through stakeholders consultation.
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