Registration fees likely to be waived for Electric Vehicles

New Delhi: In an initiative by the government to boost electric vehicle sales in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued a draft notification, proposing the exemption of battery-operated vehicles from paying fees for new or renewal of Registration Certificate (RC). 

According to the new draft notification, any electric vehicle (EV) buyer will be exempted from paying a registration fee for a new EV or a fee for renewal of registration as well. 

The proposed rule will apply to all battery-operated vehicle, including two, three, and four-wheelers. 

"The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification dated May 27, 2021, further to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, proposing to exempt Battery Operated Vehicles (BOV) from payment of fees for issue or renewal of Registration Certificate (RC) and assignment of the new registration mark. This has been notified to encourage e-mobility," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to MoRTH, this is aimed at encouraging e-mobility.

It further said that comments from the general public and all stakeholders have been sought within 30 days from the date of issuance of this draft notification.

Meanwhile, several automotive-related magazines and portals suggested that a concession in road tax for Electric Vehicles that varies in different states too could help in expediting EV adoption in the market.

Earlier in August last year, MoRTH has notified an addition to the existing electric vehicle policy, allowing the sale and registration of electric vehicles without a pre-fitted battery. This move by the government was another part of its effort to boost the adoption of electric vehicles in India, and concurrently reduce our core dependency on imported oil.