Maharashtra to Consider Reducing EV Charging Rates to ₹5
Union Minister Gadkari urges Maharashtra to lower EV charging costs to boost electric vehicle adoption.
Nitin Gadkari proposes reducing EV charging rates to ₹5 per unit during peak hours.
Maharashtra CM Fadnavis commits to implementing processes for lower charges.
EKA Mobility plans to deploy 50,000 electric buses in the state over three years.
In a significant push for electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has urged the Maharashtra government to lower the electricity charges at EV charging stations to ₹5 per unit during the hours of 8 AM to 6 PM. This request was made during the inauguration of six manufacturing plants by EKA Mobility, an event also attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Gadkari highlighted that a reduction in charging rates would not only stimulate the EV market in Maharashtra but also align with the broader national goal of promoting sustainable transportation. He further requested the Union Ministry of Power to consider reducing the current national highway charging rate, which stands at ₹22 per unit, to make EVs more accessible.
Chief Minister Fadnavis responded positively to Gadkari's proposal, stating that the state would initiate processes to lower the per-unit charges at charging stations. He emphasized Maharashtra's potential for solar energy, which could significantly support the EV charging infrastructure. Fadnavis projected that renewable energy would constitute 52% of the state's power mix by 2030 and rise to 65% by 2035.
In addition to the charging rate discussions, Fadnavis urged EKA Mobility to expedite the deployment of 50,000 electric buses within the next three years. He also encouraged the company to focus on local manufacturing under the 'Make in Maharashtra' initiative, aiming to reduce reliance on imports from China, which currently account for 30-40% of electric components.
The inauguration event showcased EKA Mobility's six plants, with a total production capacity of 40,000 vehicles annually and an investment of ₹3,500 crore. Among these, the Bus & Truck Plant in Koregaon Bhima, Pune, is notable for its advanced manufacturing capabilities, including CNC laser cutting and robotic welding. The facility is set to produce both buses and trucks, contributing to the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in Maharashtra.
