CERC Approves Tariffs for SECI’s 600 MW Wind-Solar Hybrid Projects

MNRE Issues Guidelines for Installation of Prototype Wind Turbines 

Rajasthan Issues Draft Intrastate Transmission System Connectivity Regulations

ANERT Invites Proposals for Green Energy Demonstration Projects

Daily News Wrap-Up: Utility Solar Project Costs Up Slightly in Q1 2025

SECI Tenders 2 GW Solar Projects with 4 GWh Energy Storage Systems

Torrent Green Energy Wins SECI’s 600 MW Wind Auction

Power Ministry Proposes Sale, Lease, Renting of Energy Storage Systems

NHPC Issues Tender for 2.5 MW Rooftop Solar Projects in Nagaland

NTPC Raises $750 Million via External Commercial Borrowing

<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/amazon_polly_79983.mp3?version=1748340254">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table>The <a href="https://www.maharashtra.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Maharashtra state government</a> has announced a range of incentives across categories for the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) under the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy for 2025.
The policy targets every one in three vehicles registered to be an EV by 2030.
It offers an incentive of a maximum of ₹2 million (~$23,502.8)/vehicle in the passenger bus/goods carrier category. Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers will get a purchase incentive of ₹10,000 (~$117.52) and ₹30,000 (~$352.57) for the first 100,000 and 15,000 vehicles, respectively.
Electric cars will be eligible for a purchase incentive of ₹150,000 (~$1762.84) for the first 10,000 vehicles.
<a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-4.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-79987 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-4.png" alt="" width="604" height="470" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-4.png 604w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-4-300x233.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-4-600x467.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px" /></a>
The policy, which will be valid for five years, aims to accelerate EV adoption across all vehicle segments and ensure widespread charging infrastructure to support it.
The policy also plans to reduce vehicular particulate matter (PM) 2.5 emissions in the state. It is estimated that Maharashtra will be able to reduce 325 tons of vehicular PM 2.5 emissions and approximately 1 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector by 2030.
The state’s Transport Department will be the designated nodal agency for the policy.
Under these targets, 40% of all new two-wheelers must be EVs, and electric four-wheelers will comprise 30% of all new four-wheeler registrations.<a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-79989 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1.png" alt="" width="633" height="339" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1.png 633w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1-300x161.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1-624x334.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-1-1-600x321.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 633px) 100vw, 633px" /></a>
These incentives will be valid only for vehicles either manufactured for sale in Maharashtra or registered for sale in the state.
The original equipment manufacturer will avail the incentives and pass them on to the end consumer.
The incentives will be disbursed as a percentage of the vehicle’s ex-factory price. They will also be applicable for selling EVs without transferring battery ownership.
All EVs sold under the policy period will be completely exempted from motor vehicle tax.
There will also be a 100% toll tax exemption for passenger EVs commuting on state highways such as Yashwantrao Chavan Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg, Atal Bihari Vajpayee Sewri–Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.
Phased toll waivers for electric vehicles on other state highways are currently under discussion.
Charging Infrastructure
The policy includes the installation of EV charging infrastructure every 25 km along state and national highways.
It mandates all existing and new fuel pumps on state and national highways to have at least one fast charging station. The same requirement also extends to all Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus stations.
The state will also release viability gap funding for DC fast charging station installations to incentivize establishing EV charging infrastructure across highways.<a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-79988 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2.png" alt="" width="613" height="306" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2.png 613w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2-300x150.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/image-2-600x300.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px" /></a>The state’s Energy Department will create a nodal agency to develop an integrated EV charging infrastructure plan. It will categorize EV charging stations based on renewable energy usage and availability of battery energy storage systems.
The concessional tariff for all EV charging and battery swapping stations will follow the tariff structure issued by the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission.
The state government will establish a one-window online system/portal to provide charging infrastructure approvals.
Building Code Amendments
Under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs guidelines, the state government has mandated that all new residential buildings have 100% EV-compliant parking spaces.
Each new residential building must allocate at least one dedicated community EV charging point.
Existing housing societies must allocate shared EV charging stations if at least 50% of the housing society members approve of this dedicated allocation.
Under these rules, all new commercial buildings must also allocate at least 50% of their parking spaces for EV charging.
The Mumbai – Pune Expressway and Mumbai – Nagpur Samruddhi will be built as a sustainable mobility corridor. It will comprise charging infrastructure for all EV types. Deploying hydrogen vehicles on the Pune-Mumbai Expressway on pilot routes is also targeted.
Battery Recycling
To attract investments for EV manufacturing, the state government will provide all benefits under the D+ category of mega projects/other categories for industries, including micro, small, and medium enterprises. These companies can be part of the EV battery and component manufacturing sector, irrespective of their manufacturing location in the state.
The state will encourage setting up EV battery recycling hubs closer to EV battery manufacturing hubs and EV charging infrastructure.
Urban local bodies will designate convenient drop-off points for used EV batteries. They will also identify and earmark the land for drop-off spots near the solid waste disposal and processing sites for battery segregation.
They can also collaborate with nearby and existing battery recycling facilities to bolster battery recycling.
Research and Development 
To encourage R&amp;D in the state, at least three centers of excellence will be developed, focusing on EVs, charging infrastructure, and hydrogen-based technologies.
The government has earmarked ₹150 million (~$1.76 million) under the “CM EV R&amp;D Grant” to fund R&amp;D activities in the EV sector.
The Maharashtra government will also develop specialized courses for EV design, battery technology, charging infrastructure, power electronics, and energy management.
The Transport Department will establish a network of automated testing stations for EVs to conduct standardized safety assessments.
The state government will also develop a digital battery passport to track key parameters such as manufacturing details, real-time health status, usage history, and end-of-life diagnostics.
According to data <a href="https://mercomindia.com/electric-vehicle-sales-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through its Vahan Dashboard in January 2025, Maharashtra had the second-highest EV sales in the country.
In September 2024, the Union Cabinet <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cabinet-pm-edrive-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement Program, with a total outlay of ₹109 billion (~$1.29 billion).
Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.

Maharashtra Targets 30% EV Adoption by 2030, Announces Purchase Sops

<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/amazon_polly_77133.mp3?version=1741173857">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table>The Ministry of Heavy Industries (<a href="https://heavyindustries.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MHI</a>) has mandated a 100% domestic content requirement (DCR) for 18 electric vehicle (EV) components under the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and e-buses segments to avail of subsidy under the PM E-Drive program.
MHI has amended the eligibility criteria for the phased manufacturing program (PMP) components under PM E-Drive.
PMP was launched under the Faster Adoption &amp; Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India-II program to ensure original equipment manufacturers are producing EV components locally. Under the PM E-Drive program, 18 EV components are listed for mandatory local manufacturing to qualify for the subsidies.
The PM E-Drive was <a href="https://mercomindia.com/cabinet-pm-edrive-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> with an outlay of ₹109 billion (~$1.29 billion), focusing on providing demand incentives, deploying EVs, and developing charging infrastructure to support wider EV adoption.
Testing agencies will issue separate guidelines for assessing the domestic manufacturing of the EV components.
Importing battery modules, PMP components, and other EV components in complete knockdown form from a single supplier has also been prohibited.
In an integrated unit, PMP verification will be conducted for individual PMP components.
Separate eligibility criteria exist for electric two and three-wheelers, and e-buses.
Two and Three-wheelers
MHI has extended the mandatory DCR for multiple two-wheeler and three-wheeler EV components to May 1, 2025.
These components include a traction battery pack, battery management system, DC-DC converter, vehicle control unit, onboard charger/external portable charger, traction motor, traction motor controller including inverter, and instrument cluster.
The Ministry mandated the inclusion of the external charger cost for two and three-wheelers in the vehicle ex-factory price.
E-Buses
Compliance dates for e-buses have also been revised to six months from the amendment issue date for multiple PMP components.
PMP components included are heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, an electric compressor for brake, a charging inlet CCS2 (a combined charging system that allows charging from AC and DC power), traction battery pack, DC-DC converter, vehicle control unit, traction motor, and instrument cluster.
The amendment also provides for domestic manufacturing of the traction motor controller, including the inverter, which requires an assembled printed circuit board integration.
Compliance dates have been extended to 12 months from the amendment date for the battery management system and the traction motor controller manufacturing. This extension also covers the inverter, which requires the assembly of electronic components/semiconductors/connectors on the printed circuit board.
In 2024, EV sales in India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/electric-vehicle-sales-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached</a> a record 1.95 million units, an over 27% growth year-over-year against the 1.53 million units sold in 2023.

MHI Mandates 100% DCR Requirement for 18 EV Components Under PM E-Drive

<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/amazon_polly_74719.mp3?version=1735624439">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table>India has over 4.64 million registered electric vehicles (EV). The year 2024 saw EV adoption increase across all categories due to various incentives and subsidies offered by the Union and state governments.
EVs account for 5.8% of overall automobile sales, which totaled 5.69 million units in the third quarter, according to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through its Vahan Dashboard.
Here are the key developments in India’s EV sector in 2024:
PM E-DRIVE and PSM Program
The Union Cabinet <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cabinet-pm-edrive-program" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Program’, and the ‘PM-eBus Sewa-Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) Program.’ The program with a total outlay of ₹109 billion (~$1.29 billion), focuses on providing demand incentives, deploying EVs, and developing charging infrastructure to support wider EV adoption. It aims to deploy 2.479 million e-2Ws, 316,000 e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses under the PM E-DRIVE program. The PSM Program, with an outlay of ₹34.35 billion ($409 million), will support the procurement and operation of over 38,000 electric buses from FY 2024-25 to FY 2028-29
Electric Mobility Promotion Program 2024
The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-5-billion-program-electric-mobility" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> the Electric Mobility Promotion Program 2024 with a funding of ₹5 billion (~$60.34 million). The program was scheduled from April 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024, and targeted electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, e-carts, and L5 category vehicles. The program plans to support 372,215 EVs, which include 333,387 EV two-wheelers and 38,828 EV three-wheelers. The program will offer incentives only to vehicles equipped with advanced batteries to promote the use of cutting-edge technology.
Custom Duty Slashed for International EV Manufacturers
In a bid to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ev-policy-pushes-global-players-build-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">promote</a> India as a manufacturing destination for EVs, the government is offering international manufacturers a reduced customs duty rate of only 15% for five years if they invest at least ₹41.5 billion (~$500 million) to establish manufacturing facilities in the country. This relaxation is subject to certain conditions, such as only EVs with a cost, insurance, and freight value of $35,000 or above are eligible for import under this program. India currently levies a 70% to 100% tax on imported cars based on their value. The number of EVs permitted for import will be capped at the total customs duty waived or the investment made, whichever is lower, with an upper limit of ₹64.84 billion (~$782 million).
FAME-II Program Allocates ₹115 Billion 
MHI <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/fame-ii-budgetary-vehicles-increased-by-million" target="_blank" rel="noopener">enhanced</a> the budgetary outlay of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid &amp; Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) program from ₹100 billion (~$1.20 billion) to ₹115 billion (~$1.38 billion) to encourage India’s transition to clean mobility. The subsidies for demand incentive will be eligible for electric two-, three-, and four-wheelers sold until March 31, 2024. As per the revised outlay, subsidies amounting to ₹70 billion ($843 million) were allocated for EVs. Electric two-wheelers have been allotted ₹53 billion ($638 million), electric three-wheelers ₹9.8 billion ($118 million), and electric four-wheelers ₹7.5 billion ($90.35 million). The allocation for electric buses was ₹32 billion ($385 million). Further, ₹40.4 billion ($468.6 million) was earmarked for grants that will fund the creation of capital assets. For the development of EV charging infrastructure, ₹8.3 billion ($99.9 million) was allotted.
Guidelines on EV Charging Infrastructure 
The Ministry of Power <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-releases-ev-charging-infrastructure-guidelines" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, 2024, for installing and operating EV chargers. According to the guidelines, any entity can establish a charging infrastructure, and setting up and operating EV charging stations is a de-licensed activity. To encourage public charging stations, the agency owning the land will receive ₹1/kWh (~$0.012) for electricity used for charging at the station. Private entities can also adopt the same model on a bidding basis with a floor price of ₹1/kWh. The tariff for electricity supply to EV charging stations must not exceed the average supply cost.
BIS’s New Standards for 2W And 4W EVs
The Bureau of Indian Standards <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bis-new-standards-ev" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unveiled</a> two standards, IS 18590: 2024 and IS 18606: 2024, aiming to enhance the safety of EVs across various categories. It also launched IS 18294: 2023, a standard dedicated to e-rickshaws and e-karts, recognizing the growing popularity of electric mobility solutions beyond traditional cars and trucks.
EV Adoption: Developments in the States 
Andhra Pradesh’s EV policy
Andhra Pradesh <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/andhra-pradesh-sustainable-electric-mobility-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">unveiled</a> its Sustainable Electric Mobility Policy 4.0, valid until 2029. The policy aims to make the state a global hub for high-value EV manufacturing while encouraging the adoption of e-mobility solutions and sustainable practices to achieve carbon neutrality (Scope 1 emissions) in the transport sector by 2047. The policy targets a minimum of 200,000 new electric two-wheelers, a minimum of 10,000 new electric three-wheelers, and a minimum of 20,000 new four-wheeler battery electric vehicles. There must be at least one charging station every 30 kilometers along notified green channels and establish a charging station density of one per 3×3 km grid in designated e-mobility cities.
Karnataka Mandates for EV Charging Infrastructure 
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/kerc-issues-guidelines-for-installing-ev-charging-points-in-buildings" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandated</a> that distribution licensees need approvals to install EV chargers in non-designated areas.  Commercial/residential buildings, complexes, and multi-story buildings within Karnataka with a requisitioned load of 250 kW or more and more than 5,000 sq mt of the built-up area of the building must install two charging points capable of charging any vehicle of any EV segment. EV charging stations in designated EV charging zones can be deployed either as a single point for the association or as individual connections for each consumer with approval from the area distribution licensee.
Himachal Pradesh to Promote EVs 
The state government of Himachal Pradesh <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/himachal-restricts-departments-buying-diesel-petrol-vehicles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> all state departments to stop buying diesel or petroleum vehicles and promote the adoption of EVs on a large scale. The departments will be able to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles only after the state cabinet&#8217;s approval on a case-by-case basis. Further, the diesel buses operating under Himachal Road Transport Corporation will be converted to e-buses in a phased manner.

Top Developments that Shaped the Electric Vehicle Industry in 2024

pm-e-drive

Get the most relevant India solar and clean energy news.

RECENT POSTS