The Government of Maharashtra has extended its 'Early Bird' electric vehicle (EV) incentive scheme until March 31, 2022. The special incentive scheme, which earlier had a deadline of December 31, 2021, offers additional benefits to customers over the central government's FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicle) scheme. The state government introduced it to promote electric vehicles, and Aaditya Thackeray, Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment, Maharashtra says the response was quite encouraging. And that is why the scheme has been extended by 3 months.
Also Read: Maharashtra EV Policy Goes Live; Electric Two-Wheelers To Become More Affordable
undefinedEncouraged by the response to the EV Policy 2021, Govt of Maharashtra has decided to extend the “early bird discount” on Electric Vehicles till 31st March 2022. pic.twitter.com/c306eHBFZK
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) December 31, 2021
Announcing the news on social media, Thackeray said, "Encouraged by the response to the EV Policy 2021, Govt of Maharashtra has decided to extend the "early bird discount" on Electric Vehicles till 31st March 2022." The minister has also shared some statistics, which reveal that between April 1 and December 27, 2021, electric vehicle registrations saw a growth of 157 per cent in Maharashtra, compared to the previous year. EV registrations in Mumbai for the same period grew by 112 per cent.
Also Read: Maharashtra EV Policy 2021: State Incentives On Electric Vehicles Explained
Under the Maharashtra EV Policy, the state government is offering an incentive of Rs. 5,000 per kWh, which for an electric four-wheeler came up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. In addition to that, with its special Early Bird incentives, the state government offers EV buyers an additional benefit of Rs. 5000 per kWh, which can go up to Rs. 1 lakh.
These incentives are only valid for the first one lakh electric two-wheeler and the first 10,000 electric four-wheelers
In the case of an electric two-wheeler, the state discount has been capped at Rs. 10,000, whereas the early bird discount can go up to Rs. 15,000 (amount will differ for vehicles with different battery capacities). These incentives are only valid for the first one lakh electric two-wheeler and the first 10,000 electric four-wheelers.
Also Read: Maharashtra EV Policy: Manufacturers Welcome New Policy, Expect Sales Growth
As for which electric vehicles are eligible for this scheme, these subsidies are applicable on vehicles that are priced below Rs. 15 lakh. This means while models like the Tata Nexon EV and the Tigor EV are eligible for the subsidy discount, models like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric aren't.
