After unveiling its new industrial policy, the Gujarat government is preparing to introduce a fresh Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric mobility across the state.
The proposed policy is being developed in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce dependence on petrol and diesel and is reportedly in its final stages of preparation, Gujarat Samachar reported.
A major focus of the new framework is expected to be the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure across Gujarat, covering highways, urban centres, smaller towns and rural areas. The government is also considering attractive incentives and subsidies to encourage private investment in setting up charging stations.
The direction of the policy was discussed during a recent Chintan Shibir, where electric mobility and long-term energy consumption trends were reviewed. Concerns over fuel consumption and growing geopolitical uncertainties, including the Israel-Iran conflict, have further strengthened interest in expanding electric vehicle adoption.
Gujarat introduced its first EV policy in 2021, offering subsidies for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. However, those incentives were later withdrawn.
According to sources, limited charging infrastructure remained one of the key reasons the earlier policy did not deliver the expected growth in EV adoption, leaving Gujarat behind several other states.
The upcoming policy is expected to address this challenge by prioritising the expansion of charging facilities across the state. At present, most charging stations are concentrated in larger cities, while smaller towns and villages continue to face limited availability.
The shortage of charging facilities along highways has also discouraged consumers from adopting EVs for long-distance travel. The government now plans to strengthen charging networks along key transport corridors to improve convenience and confidence among users.
As part of its wider sustainability efforts, the state is also evaluating a phased shift of government vehicles to electric mobility.
To accelerate infrastructure development, the policy is expected to include financial support for charging station operators along with additional incentives and concessions aimed at attracting private investment into the sector.
