Maharashtra announced its partnership with Climate Group’s EV100 campaign to support ambitious EV deployment targets set by the state under its new EV Policy. Forward-looking companies in the western state are urged to set EV100-aligned targets for accelerating the electrification of their vehicular fleets. EV100, a business-focused climate initiative, wants to make electric transport the new normal by shifting corporates to 100% EVs by 2030 and accelerating the transition away from polluting internal combustion engines vehicles.
The partnership, guided by the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, comes in the backdrop of Maharashtra’s new EV Policy 2021 that aims to have 10% battery operated electric vehicles in new registrations by 2025. The new policy is armed with economic incentives, complementing those under FAME 2, to enhance EV purchase for personal and commercial use. The state has additionally set targets for electrifying government vehicles and 15% of Maharashtra’s state-run road transport corporation’s existing bus fleet. The policy also exempts road tax and registration fees for all new EVs.
Aaditya Thackeray, Minister of Environment of Government of Maharashtra, said: “Investing in a clean transport system is an essential part of our State Climate Action Plan. With the revised EV Policy, we want to engage early on with the most important stakeholder – businesses. The EV100 partnership aims to build a robust demand for EVs that can enable key linkages for the vibrant business community in Maharashtra, and support the faster uptake of the policy. As the first Indian state to partner with EV100, we want to take the lead in driving corporate EV demand and encourage fellow states as well towards catalysing a pan India EV revolution.”
Aaditya Thackeray, Minister of Environment of Government of Maharashtra, said: “Investing in a clean transport system is an essential part of our State Climate Action Plan. With the revised EV Policy, we want to engage early on with the most important stakeholder – businesses. The EV100 partnership aims to build a robust demand for EVs that can enable key linkages for the vibrant business community in Maharashtra, and support the faster uptake of the policy. As the first Indian state to partner with EV100, we want to take the lead in driving corporate EV demand and encourage fellow states as well towards catalysing a pan India EV revolution.”
Divya Sharma, India Executive Director of Climate Group, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the Maharashtra government. Their EV policy provides a strong signal and framework to build a clean vehicle future for one of the largest states in the country. We urge businesses in Maharashtra to utilise the incentives offered by the state and join EV100 to drive 100% fleet transition by 2030. Companies should set interim targets aligned with the state’s EV policy to accelerate electric mobility.”
Electrifying last-mile delivery fleets
Maharashtra’s EV policy also aims to achieve 25% electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles by 2025. E-commerce companies, delivery & logistics players and mobility aggregators will submit EV transition plans to the state’s transport department in six months from the day of notification of the policy. As per Climate Group and SYSTEMIQ research (Fleets First study), the majority of the EVs driven today globally are privately-owned passenger vehicles, while only 11% of EVs are part of fleets. Focussing on fleets can transform faster electrification and boost infrastructure simultaneously. Maharashtra’s policy mandate and the EV100 engagement will open long-term and wider economic opportunities for delivery companies in Maharashtra.
Peter Betzel, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA India said: “IKEA India welcomes the new EV policy of Maharashtra and their partnership with EV100. This comprehensive policy with multiple incentives and targets including for urban last mile freight will enable businesses and many people to adopt EVs faster. It is also encouraging to note the emphasis on skill building that would help build a robust support ecosystem for EVs. IKEA is committed to being people and planet positive and this is integrated into our business. By 2025, we aim to achieve 100% customer deliveries and services by EVs. We are happy to partner with the Government of Maharashtra in its objectives on mobility transition and enabling a sustainable future.” IKEA is a member of the EV100 campaign.
Businesses setting strong EV targets will support Maharashtra as it unlocks its ambition of bolder climate commitment and action, leading to COP26. The EV100 partnership will support early-mover companies to shape government policy by sharing their experiences and suggestions.
Maharashtra will also explore the feasibility of a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) programme.