Andhra Pradesh Might Ban Petrol/Diesel Cars By 2024 — 10 Lakh EVs To Come Soon

The government of Andhra Pradesh has become the first Indian start to formally share its extensive EV (electric vehicles) policy, in a bid to weaken the rising pollution rates. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu has publicly announced that the state will put a ban to register new petrol/diesel cars by 2024.

The honourable CM was speaking at the recent Energy Innovation Summit 2019. Andhra Pradesh's petrol/diesel-car ban will be implemented in the upcoming de facto capital of Amaravati. Furthermore, Andhra Pradesh will get close to 10 lakh electric vehicles within the next five years.

The policy to promote electric vehicle will attract an investment of around Rs 30,000 crore; plus a state grant of Rs 500 crore for the R&D involved. Mahesh Babu, CEO of Mahindra Electric shared, "Industry needs a clear direction and MSME will invest only if there is a clear is a clear policy. Green number plates for electric vehicles, no permits for three-wheelers are a good move, we just need to implement the national and state EV policy it in action and I'm sure Andhra will have 1 million EVs in by 2024."

"Public transport and fleet operators need to shift to EVs before personal buyers get into it. Three-wheelers moving to electric will benefit both riders and users. It is economically viable for giving more savings and benefitting environment with zero-emissions," he further added.

In a recent report, it was proved that electric vehicles are seeing better acceptance in the Indian market. Even though EVs have still got a long way to overpower conventional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles in terms of sales, electric vehicles are becoming popular in urban markets - check out more details here.

On the other hand, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) suggested that the conversion of existing three-wheelers into electric is an efficient way to promote electric vehicles in India. With the current sales rate of petrol/diesel cars, the government's goal to attain 30 per cent electric mobility by the year 2030 is almost unachievable.

Thoughts On Andhra Pradesh Banning New Petrol/Diesel Cars

In addition to the proposed ban on registering new fossil-fuel-powered vehicles, the state government also aims to convert the entire fleet of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) into electric before the same 2024 deadline. There is a plan to set up over a lakh slow and fast charging stations, as well.