The future of Electric Vehicles in India appears to be golden and because of this reason, the state government of Karnataka since 2017 has the vision to make Karnataka a preferred destination for the production of Electronic vehicle as they see the Electronic vehicle industry as a promising segment full of opportunities.
As mentioned by Karnataka’s government the main objectives they want to achieve are:
- To maintain the lead share of Karnataka as a preferred destination for attracting investments in the manufacture of Electric vehicles.
- To attract investments of Rs 31,000 crore and create employment opportunities to 55,000 persons both from the supply and demand side.
- To create a conducive environment for internal combustion engines.
- To provide opportunities for developing R&D in Electric Mobility.
Now, to achieve these objectives the Karnataka government has laid down some policies for the Electronic Vehicle industry that will ensure that the state takes full advantage of the opportunities available in this industry promoting sustainable development:
- EV manufacturing parks/zones:
The government will make industrial land available in clusters in order to create EV manufacturing zones and will create infrastructure in the form of factories equipped with power, water, sewage and testing facilities. It also includes ensuring the establishment of a testing track and facility for electric vehicles and associated technologies making it easier for new startups and researchers to test their technologies in a safe environment.
2. Migrating to EV environment:
Under the Karnataka Motor Vehicles Taxation Act 1957, the government of Karnataka has removed the payment of taxes on buying non-transport as well as transport Electric vehicles to promote their adaptability. Apart from this, the private transport segment including auto rickshaws, cab aggregator, school buses/vans, corporate fleets etc. is being encouraged to shift towards EV and expecting 100% e-mobility in it by 2030.
BMTC, KSRTC, NWKSRTC, NEKRTC will introduce 1000 EV buses during the policy period.
3. Support for charging infrastructure:
It is essential for electric mobility to have a charging infrastructure and for this, the government of Karnataka will be encouraging the private players to set up EV charging system.
It will provide the land owned by Karnataka’s government on lease for the development of these fast-charging stations. According to its policies, the government will also provide subsidies on setting up of first 100 fast-charging stations which will act as a great incentive in the development of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. There will be special electricity tariffs for these stations.
4. Support for research and development:
The government of Karnataka will commission and support the “Karnataka Electric Mobility Research and Innovation Centre” to make it a world-class research hub. Research programs will be undertaken which will focus on battery innovation for the EV industry and startups focused on electric vehicles will be encouraged.
For research in EV mobility, a venture capital fund and a startup incubation centre will be set up.
5. Support for skill development:
In collaboration with the EV industry skill development centres will be set up for up-skilling the workforce. Curricula and courses suited to the EV industry will be introduced in professional institutes, polytechnics as well as vocational education institutions. Also, there will be an introduction to a short term course on electric mobility.
To encourage in-plant training provided by EV manufacturers a stipend of 50% of the cost of training subject will be provided to 1000 candidates per annum (maximum 50 trainees per company). The stipend will have a limit of Rs 10,000 /- per month per trainee.
With these above-stated policies, the Government of Karnataka is looking towards achieving its objectives in the Electronic vehicles industry which posses amazing opportunities in the area of sustainable development.