The UT of Jammu and Kashmir has failed to come up with an important Electric Vehicle Policy (EVP). The General Administration Department (GAD) of the J&K Government formed a committee, led by the Administrative Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), which included members from other departments as well. Almost a year has passed but no sign of an EVP.
State-level EVP have different focuses and strategies to cover various vehicle categories. These policies commonly include targets for sales share and new vehicle registrations. They set stock share and purchase goals for public fleets, such as Government vehicles and transit buses. On the demand side, capital subsidies are a widely used tool in these policies. States and UTs adopt different policies, some offering incentives on first-come, first-served vehicles for a fixed number of vehicles and others offering a percentage of value. Other common incentives include exemptions or reductions in vehicle registration fees, road taxes, parking charges, and occasionally vehicle purchase taxes. Some states and UTs, in their efforts to transition a significant 3-wheeler fleet, have implemented a scrappage programme that allows owners of conventional rickshaws to trade in their old vehicles for credit towards purchasing an electric one. Supply-side policies are also crucial in state-level EV policies. These policies often provide incentives and capital subsidies to support EV manufacturing, research, and development. Some Governments offer tax breaks for land used in the construction of EV manufacturing facilities, waive stamp and electricity duties for EV manufacturers, and offer reduced utility rates. Regarding charging infrastructure, states offer various incentives for private EV charger installations and establish targets for public charger deployment in densely populated areas and along busy roadways. Many policies modify zoning laws to include requirements for charging infrastructure in large-scale commercial complexes and residential buildings. Furthermore, several states have invested in battery-swapping kiosks to encourage the adoption of electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers in the ridesharing and delivery sectors.
Jammu and Kashmir appear to be lagging in these developments. The Transport, HUDD, and PDD need to collaborate to devise a practical plan for establishing charging stations and the PDD should supply electricity to these stations at subsidised rates. However, as of now, no such policy has been put into effect. While there are subsidies available for the purchase of electric vehicles, the absence of public charging stations means that owners must either charge their vehicles at home or company sites for a fee. The reality is that no permit is required for electric taxis or buses, but the lack of essential infrastructure can pose challenges for electric vehicle owners at some point. Even after the policy is rolled out, a significant amount of time will be needed to establish the necessary infrastructure and regulations. Despite this, it appears that the relevant authorities are not in a hurry to implement the EVP. All the benefits offered become ineffective in the absence of the EVP.
Jammu and Kashmir, as a popular tourist destination, attracts a significant number of electric vehicle owners. However, these owners are currently left to fend for themselves when it comes to charging their vehicles. Despite the Government’s introduction of a fleet of electric buses in both Jammu and Srinagar, the absence of adequate charging infrastructure prevents them from operating on long-distance routes.
It’s essential to recognise that delayed approach rarely leads to the desired impact. In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, without adequate electric charging facilities and the implementation of an EVP, it’s unlikely that the set targets can be achieved. Considering that the Union Territory of Ladakh has already formulated and adopted its EVP, the prolonged delay in Jammu and Kashmir is difficult to justify. Therefore, higher authorities must step in and expedite the resolution of the issue promptly.
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