Telangana has launched a new electric vehicle (EV) policy to promote clean air, environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Announced by Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday, November 17, the policy aims to address the issue of air pollution, especially in Hyderabad. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Hyderabad’s air quality index (AQI) was 123 (moderate) at the time of publication, significantly better than New Delhi’s severe AQI of 494.
Key Features of Telangana Electric Vehicle Policy
The policy, which comes into effect from Monday, provides 100% exemption from road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles for two years until December 31, 2026. The new policy removes the previous limit of 5,000 electric vehicles, encouraging wider adoption.
The tax exemption covers a range of vehicles including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial buses (taxi and tourist taxis), three-seater auto-rickshaws, electric tractors and electric buses. Under this scheme, two-wheelers can save up to Rs. 15,000 while on a four-wheeler you can save up to Rs. Taxes are Rs 3 Lakhs. Electric buses used for employee transportation operated by private companies will also benefit from these exemptions.
Government initiatives to support electric vehicle adoption
Minister Prabhakar confirmed that the government will work with electric vehicle manufacturers to expand charging infrastructure in urban areas, towns and along state and national highways. A vehicle scrappage policy for vehicles over 15 years old is being formulated.
The policy includes plans to replace nearly 3,000 diesel buses in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area with electric buses in a phased manner.
Green Telangana Vision
The Congress-led state government under Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has prioritized reducing pollution in Hyderabad and surrounding areas. Prabhakar urged citizens considering buying a new car to opt for electric vehicles to support this initiative for clean air and environmental protection.