High fuel price results in four-fold increase in demand for electric vehicles in Odisha
By A Iswar Rao
Malkangiri, Nov. 8: It’s surely a good move towards green energy. As the skyrocketing fuel prices continue to burn holes in the pockets of people, Odisha has started to witness increase in the demands of electric vehicles. The sale of battery operated automobiles has reported over four-fold rise so far this year.
According to National Register e-Service of Union Ministry of Road Transport, as many as 3,741 e-vehicles have been registered so far this year in Odisha as compared to 904 vehicles in 2020.
Similarly, 1025 e-vehicles alone were registered in Odisha in October this year, the data revealed.
The e-vehicle dealers in Odisha have attributed the steep rise in fuel prices as the reason behind the people preferring for EVs.
“The steep hike in fuel prices has made it difficult to travel daily using fossil fuel-operated bikes and scooters. However, the e-vehicles are offering a more affordable and comparatively cheaper way to commute than the normal vehicles,” said Artatran Nayak, a buyer.
“The demand for electric vehicles has gone up with the increase in fuel rates. The battery operated vehicles consume very less electricity and cost quite cheap,” said Saraswat Nayak, an e-vehicle dealer.
The Odisha government has made 100 per cent exemption on taxes and registration fees in accordance with the Odisha Electric Vehicle Policy, 2021.
Under the new policy guidelines, the State government has proposed to extend financial incentives for the purchasers, manufacturers of EVs, batteries and charging stations.
The government will also provide interest subvention in loans, waiving of road tax and registration fees during the policy period of five years.
As per the policy, the state government will provide 15 per cent subsidy, a maximum of Rs 5,000 for two wheelers, Rs 10,000 for three-wheelers, and Rs 50,000 for four-wheelers on the base price.
“Buyers of e-Vehicles will get tax benefits and other incentives. We are in talks with the finance department and an official notification on various benefits will be out soon,” said state commerce and transport secretary Madhusudan Padhi.
