The Maharashtra government has released a draft Electric Vehicle (EV) policy that places six major urban centres at the core of its clean transport ambitions.
The policy, currently under public consultation, aims to transition 50% of all new vehicles purchased to electric models and bolster EV adoption through a mix of regulatory mandates, financial incentives, and infrastructure investment. The draft outlines a structured approach to mainstream EVs across Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Amravati. By focusing on both urban agglomerations and regional corridors, the state’s EV blueprint goes beyond symbolism, seeking system-wide impact across public and private transport fleets, residential developments, and agricultural machinery.
Among the policy’s key targets are the electrification of 30% of all new vehicle registrations, 15% of new buses, and 10% of new agricultural vehicles such as tractors and harvesters. These goals align with Maharashtra’s broader commitment to net-zero carbon emissions and offer a compelling response to the state’s urban pollution and energy security challenges. Infrastructure readiness forms the backbone of this transition. The government has proposed EV charging stations every 25 km along state and national highways, along with mandatory charging points in all new residential and commercial buildings. Crucially, 100% of parking spaces in new housing projects must be EV-ready, while 50% of commercial building parking will need dedicated EV charging facilities. Existing buildings are not exempt, with societies required to retrofit at least 20% of shared parking for charging infrastructure—subject to resident approval.
To catalyse the industrial ecosystem, the state is also eyeing the development of battery recycling hubs near EV manufacturing zones and transport corridors. These hubs, proposed in key regions like the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Pune, aim to support a circular economy approach while mitigating environmental risks from battery disposal. The government is also investing in the innovation pipeline with a dedicated ₹15 crore “CM EV R&D Grant” for research and development. This fund is expected to boost technological advancements in battery systems, vehicle integration, and sustainable design—enabling local startups and manufacturers to gain a competitive edge in the fast-evolving EV market.
Fleet operators and aggregators are also being brought into the transition fold. The policy mandates that 50% of fleet vehicles qualify for EV incentives, signalling a shift in public transport and logistics infrastructure. To ensure long-term viability, the Industries Department will soon issue operational guidelines detailing supply-side subsidies, while the Urban Development Department is tasked with amending Development Control Regulations to institutionalise EV-friendly norms. Maharashtra’s urban centres are among the fastest-growing and most polluted in India, making this policy an essential lever in both climate mitigation and public health improvement. By embedding electrification into urban planning, commerce, agriculture, and housing, the state is sending a strong signal that the EV revolution is no longer an alternative—but an imperative.
As the draft awaits feedback and cabinet clearance, stakeholders from housing societies to logistics companies are watching closely. If implemented effectively, Maharashtra’s model could become a reference point for other states seeking to future-proof their transport systems.
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