The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) has appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to consider electric two-wheelers under the Amma Scheme.
Reiterating the society's plea, Hemalatha Annamalai, Southern Chapter Chief, SMEV, pointed out that Tamil Nadu was the first state to offer battery operated three-wheelers to the differently-abled between 2010 and 2012.
“This policy was reversed to polluting petrol vehicles in 2013; the reason for the reversal is unknown till date, and this is despite several representations to the State Commission for the Differently-Abled. The government should relook into this,” she added.
Addressing reporters, Hemalatha stressed the need for a decisive policy to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the vehicles given to the Public Works Department (Persons with Disability) be made electric and given to women.
“Electric vehicles offer multiple advantages to working women such as zero fuel cost, lower maintenance cost and higher mobility. Such battery operated electric vehicles help save 1,364 litres of petrol over a period of five years, presuming that the vehicle runs 50 km/ day on an average. Besides the saving on fuel, it also helps saves close to 2,000 kg of carbon emission, ensuring a greener society.”
“We at SMEV are, therefore, committed to ensure electric vehicles are the ideal choice for working women as there is a huge saving on petrol and maintenance, apart from helping recover the vehicle cost in two years,” she added.
She further said these vehicles are approved and covered under the Centre's NEMMP (National Electric Mobility Mission Plan) subsidy scheme under FAME India, ranging from Rs 7,500 to Rs 22,000 per vehicle.
The society is also working closely with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Ministry of Heavy Industry, Niti Aayog and state nodal agencies on pilot projects for implementation of electric mobility across the states and Union Territories.
“Inclusion under the Amma two-wheeler scheme will benefit one lakh women in the state get subsidy of 50 per cent of the cost of a two-wheeler, subject to a maximum of Rs 20,000,” Hemalatha said, bringing to mind the allocation of Rs 200 crore for implementation of the scheme this year.
The SMEV Southern Chapter chief also appealed for the removal of 5 per cent VAT. “Only TN has slapped VAT on such vehicles. It is “nil” in Karnataka and six other states.”
On subsidy, she said “at present the Delhi government is extending a subsidy of Rs 5,200 a vehicle in addition to the Centre's subsidy of Rs 7,500. The Gujarat government is also contemplating this. Other states would need to replicate and create better awareness.”