Administration’s failure to operationalize most of its charging stations, creating uncertainty for EV owners about where they can recharge their vehicles.
The data presented by Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Steel, in the upper house of the parliament highlights a significant gap in electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Chandigarh. Despite efforts from the local administration to promote EVs, only 5.64 percent of the vehicles sold in the last five years were electric, compared to the majority being fuel-based vehicles.
The data shared in Parliament shows that out of 2,19,391 total vehicle sales during this period, only 12,375 (5.64 percent) were EVs. Of the 12,375 EVs sold, 3,690 were two-wheelers, 6,731 three-wheelers, 1,799 four four-wheelers and 155 light passenger vehicles. The data places Chandigarh fourth nationally in terms of electric vehicle (EV) share among total vehicle sales, with 5.64 percent of vehicles sold being EVs. Delhi is leading the race with 7.72 percent EV adoption, Goa at 6.28 percent, Assam with 5.79 percent, Tripura at fifth place with 5.62 percent.
In September 2022, the UT administration launched a five-year electric vehicle (EV) policy aimed at phasing out fuel-powered vehicle registrations to reduce pollution. This plan aspires to make Chandigarh a “Model EV City” with a high adoption of zero-emission vehicles by 2027. However, on November 23, the then UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit, responding to external pressures, lifted the cap on non-electric vehicle registrations, including two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, jeopardizing these important environmental goals.
To promote eco-friendly vehicles in its EV policy, the administration has waived registration fees and road tax for five years, while owners of conventional fuel-based vehicles must pay these fees. Additionally, incentives ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 2 lakh are offered for up to 42,000 vehicles, including 25,000 e-cycles, 10,000 e-bikes, and 3,000 e-cars, purchased between September 20, 2022, and September 19, 2027.
Ram Kumar Garg, Finance Secretary of the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association, Chandigarh, highlighted critical barriers to the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the region such as the expensive battery replacement and maintenance remain a significant deterrent for consumers, particularly for those looking for cost-effective transportation options. Garg pointed out the administration’s failure to operationalize most of its charging stations, creating uncertainty for EV owners about where they can recharge their vehicles.
In the Lok Sabha, Tokhan Sahu, minister of state for housing and urban affairs, announced the approval of 100 electric buses for Chandigarh under the PM-eBus Sewa Scheme. In the Rajya Sabha, HD Kumaraswamy, minister for heavy industries, stated that Rs 11.87 crore has been sanctioned for the city, with 100 percent Central Assistance provided for developing “Behind-The-Meter” power infrastructure under the same scheme.
