Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is drafting a new electric vehicle (EV) policy that will make it mandatory for all government departments to purchase EVs for official use, marking a shift in state-level mobility planning.
The EV policy, which is currently under discussion, aims to replace existing petrol and diesel vehicles with electric alternatives in a phased manner.
Deputy Chief Minister and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo announced on Saturday that under the proposed framework, vehicle passes for employees at the state secretariat will only be issued for electric vehicles. This move is intended to push administrative staff towards adopting greener transportation options.
“There is a plan to ensure that a certain percentage of new vehicle purchases by the government will be EVs,” Singh Deo said. He added that existing fossil-fuel-powered vehicles will be gradually phased out.
To facilitate the shift, the government is planning to set up a robust EV infrastructure across the state. Fast charging points are expected to be installed at fuel stations, shopping malls, large residential complexes, and other high-traffic areas. The state also intends to develop battery swapping stations to reduce range anxiety and promote convenience for users.
Singh Deo confirmed that the government is exploring multiple models for battery swapping systems. “People should be able to exchange discharged batteries for fully charged ones at designated points,” he said. Energy Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev noted that the proposed policy is an improvement over the existing 2021 EV policy, which offers subsidies on EV purchases. The new draft aims to address infrastructural gaps and accelerate public sector adoption.
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