By Abishkar Upadhya
Leh: The Electric vehicles (EVs) are touted to be the future of mobility. However, ‘cost’ is one of the biggest hurdles for eco-friendly vehicles. And, to overcome this, the administration of Union Territory of Ladakh introduced ‘EV Policy-2022’ with handsome incentives. As an outcome, the policy has yielded good results so far.
The EV Policy, which which came into effect on August 17 this year will remain valid for five years till August 16, 2027. The administration of Ladakh has also introduced an early bird incentive in the policy for EV buyers, which is applicable for one year.
When contacted, Commissioner/Secretary Transport, Saugat Biswas said, “Ladakh’s Electric Vehicle and Allied Infrastructure Policy 2022 is aimed at encouraging the transporters and individuals to avail subsidy to create a carbon-neutral future for the UT.”
“EV buyers will get 10 percent of the price of the vehicle as a subsidy. An early bird incentive is also available for early adopters of electric vehicles in Ladakh. The Early Bird Incentive will give an extra cushion to individuals to buy and use Electric Vehicles,” he added.
As per the early bird incentive scheme, the first 28 buyers of electric two-wheelers in Ladakh will get 20% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹30,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The first ten buyers of e-rickshaw/e-cart in Ladakh will get 20% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹60,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The first ten buyers of electric three-wheelers in Ladakh will get 20% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹1,00,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The first 33 buyers of electric cars in Ladakh will get 20% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹5,00,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The first 11 buyers of electric buses in Ladakh will get 50% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹1,00,00,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The first nine buyers of commercial electric four-wheelers, such as LCV, State Carriage, Maxi Cabs, etc., in Ladakh, will get 20% of the ex-showroom price of the EV or ₹6,00,000 (whichever is lower) as a subsidy.
The Ladakh EV policy will be valid for five years(2022-2027) from the date of issue of relevant government resolution.
The Commissioner/Secretary maintained that UT of Ladakh has taken a major step towards making the UT self-sustainable, Smart, integrated and carbon neutral.
He further said that te policy aims to transform Ladakh into a torch bearer in terms of adoption of electric vehicles in the country. Also, the policy will help reduce dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, which was high due to the tourism and required transport services.
