[sri_tesla]

Some very good and major decisions for Electric Vehicles announced in budget:

1. GST on EVs reduced from existing 12% to 5%. Currently ICE (petrol/diesel) vehicles have 29% to 50% taxes depending on size and fuel.
2. Additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on the interest paid on the loans taken to purchase EVs.

Under FAME II scheme, govt already announced subsidies for 2 wheelers, 3 wheelers, cars (only fleet customers) and buses. 2 wheelers gets Rs 10,000 subsidy per kWh battery capacity. For example, Ather 450 with 2.7 kWh battery gets Rs 27,000 subsidy.

I am very glad that govt promoting EVs with clear cut policies. Now, its up to the companies to develop the proper EV models. Ather is already doing great job in 2 wheelers. Major 2 wheeler and car companies need to step up their game. Otherwise the Chinese like MG motors will gobble the Indian car market like they did in Electronics and solar industries.

[sgiitk]

This budget looks to be EV friendly. Only time will tell how far has it been accepted.

Looking at Norway, a 'nearly' all EV system is possible but ... One issue is the longer distances. Given the demand the charging infrastructure will come. However, are we willing to wait for, say, 1 hour every 200 km? I am assuming full AC is necesssary in most of India.

[PPS]

Originally Posted by sri_tesla

GST on EVs reduced from existing 12% to 5%.

Government has proposed to the GST Council to lower the GST rate for EV's! Not sure how many weeks/months it will take for the approval.

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by PPS

Government has proposed to the GST Council to lower the GST rate for EV's! Not sure how many weeks/months it will take for the approval.

The decision must be by the GST council since all power are with it. I do not expect a long wait, may be a couple of months. So there is nothing odd about this decision.

[excelinnovator]

An Italian-Chinese startup had promised affordable electric car made with 3d printed panels. There was lot of buzz online. Now they have a website explaining the rationale

[sgiitk]

I saw on the Autocar show the Nissan Leaf. 200km range with a price tag of Rs.45L. I am wondering whether it is a CBU import? There was a mention that servicing costs and maintenance will be low. The car looks good, but with not enough legroom in the rear as I would have liked. Let us see how things are unveiling. Also, how the charging infrastructure develops. One idea being talked about is to add/convert electric charging in most petrol pumps.

[jailbird_fynix]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

I am wondering whether it is a CBU import?

Yes sir, all online sources say that it is being imported as a CBU. You can refer these articles below.

Source 1

Source 2

But with the expected price tag of 40-45 lakhs, a range of 200km and all the lacking EV infrastructure - it doesn't look like they'll have a great start.

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by jailbird_fynix

Yes sir, all online sources say that it is being imported as a CBU. You can refer these articles below.

It does not take a lot of doing to set up the infrastructure. Say two charging points on the YE is all it takes.

I am quite taken aback by Hormazd's article about Norway. 50% EV, best seller Tesla 3. Of course the electric cars are subsidized and power for charging is free. Norway being power surplus in a big way this is not as odd as it first sounds.

[Samurai]

Originally Posted by jailbird_fynix

But with the expected price tag of 40-45 lakhs, a range of 200km and all the lacking EV infrastructure - it doesn't look like they'll have a great start.

But... Kona price tag is 25.3L ex-showroom and the range is 452km per charge (ARAI), what do you think about that?

[jailbird_fynix]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

It does not take a lot of doing to set up the infrastructure.

Agreed, sir. Let's hope it happens ASAP and that the EV scene gets that initial boost.

Originally Posted by Samurai

But... Kona price tag is 25.3L ex-showroom and the range is 452km per charge (ARAI), what do you think about that?

That definitely sounds better, sir. I had mentioned the same in this post on the Nissan Leaf thread.

Originally Posted by jailbird_fynix

Is Nissan aiming to play the EV market just like they're playing with the ICE market in India right now? Bigger and arguably better EV cars - the upcoming Hyundai Kona & the MG eZs are expected to be priced around 25 lakhs. At this point, one would've expected Nissan to turn over a new "Leaf".

[sgiitk]

The Kona and or the Leaf are looking promising for long distance travel. I am not sure that what will be the status with near 100% aircon usage.

In any case this moves EVs from local to long distance travel range.

However, looking at Norway, possibly a subsidy and controlling the tendency to overtax electricity for travel may be necessary. Free charging- forget it.

[volkman10]

Toyota And BYD To Co-Develop Electric Vehicles For China.

The two companies, which until now were rivals, will be making sedans as well as low-floor SUVs, plus the onboard batteries these vehicles will require.

Toyota has signed an agreement with BYD for the joint development of battery electric vehicles aimed at the Chinese market. The cars will be sold under the Toyota brand in the first half of the 2020s.

Japan’s top automaker is also planning on launching its first battery electric vehicle in China next year, in the shape of a C-HR / IZOA crossover.

Link

[sgiitk]

Originally Posted by Samurai

But... Kona price tag is 25.3L ex-showroom and the range is 452km per charge (ARAI), what do you think about that?

This figure is without the 5% GST. This will cut about 1.5L from the sticker price. Lower road tax! That will be gravy for us. I only hope they will not increase taxes on electricity?

[tj123]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

I only hope they will not increase taxes on electricity?

Well its just a matter of time, once EV's becomes popular the tax revenue collection from petrol and diesel will go down and then government will be forced to plug in the revenue deficit by increasing the taxes on electricity

[volkman10]

Govt asserts subsidy for EVs only for commercial vehicles, not personal usage.

The government has made clear its intention to promote electric mobility through commercial fleet owners and incentives will be only offered to them

Under the Rs 10,000-crore FAME scheme, subsidy on EVs are given to three- and four-wheelers for commercial and fleet applications. However, in two-wheelers it is also extended for personal usage.

Link