Patna: With environmental sustainability emerging as a key priority, the state govt has unveiled a series of measures to promote electric vehicles (EVs), including financial incentives for setting up charging stations and purchasing battery-powered vehicles.According to an assessment by the transport department, if 30% of all vehicles in the state switch to electric power, Bihar could save at least 7.50 crore litres of fuel annually, resulting in savings worth crores of rupees.Sources said the govt has set a target of making 30% of vehicles in the state battery-powered by 2030. The issue was discussed at a recent Cabinet meeting, where officials reviewed existing incentives and possible new policy measures.Transport department secretary Raj Kumar said the Bihar Electric Vehicle Policy provides financial assistance to expand EV charging infrastructure across the state.“To overcome the problem of shortage of EV charging stations along SH, NH and other routes in the state, the state govt will be giving subsidy on different types of chargers to facilitate the expansion of modern EV charging stations. The govt will be giving subsidy ranging between Rs 75,000 to Rs 2,25,000,” Kumar said.He added that subsidies could reach up to Rs 15 lakh in certain cases. Kumar acknowledged that the number of charging stations in Bihar remains extremely low, discouraging long-distance travel by EV owners.The transport department has proposed setting up charging stations at strategic locations, including highways, petrol pumps, hotels, motels, bus terminals, commercial centres, parking facilities and other public places.Officials said the initiative would help reduce dependence on petrol and diesel while promoting cleaner transportation.To accelerate EV adoption, the state Cabinet on May 13 approved the Chief Minister Bihar Environment-Friendly Transport Employment Scheme and the Bihar Electric Vehicle (Amendment) Policy, 2026. The objective is to ensure that 30% of all newly purchased and registered vehicles in Bihar are electric by 2030.Under the scheme, women purchasing electric four-wheelers will receive subsidies of up to Rs 1 lakh, while buyers of electric two-wheelers will receive assistance of Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000. Subsidies of up to Rs 60,000 have also been announced for electric commercial three-wheelers. The incentives will be available during the 2026-27 financial year.
