Ambitious Vision for a Greener Tomorrow
The Odisha government has taken a decisive step toward sustainable mobility by announcing its updated Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0. The new policy sets an ambitious goal: ensuring that at least 50% of all new vehicle registrations in the state are battery-operated electric vehicles (BEVs) by 2036, as part of Odisha Vision 2036.
Policy Extension and Enhanced Incentives
Building on the foundation of the Odisha EV Policy 2021, the revised policy will extend its validity and substantially increase financial incentives for EV buyers and charge point operators (CPOs). These measures are designed to make electric vehicles more accessible and to accelerate the expansion of the state’s charging infrastructure, which already includes over 550 public charging stations.
Key Features of EV Policy 2.0:
- Enhanced subsidies for EV buyers across all segments
- Incentives for empanelled CPOs from the state budget on a first-come-first-serve basis
- Proposals to create a dedicated EV fund, possibly through levies on ICE vehicles
- Accelerated rollout of public charging stations in urban and semi-urban areas
- Leveraging central government schemes for additional financial support
Rapid Growth in EV Adoption
Odisha’s EV adoption rate has seen a remarkable surge—from 1.16% of new registrations in 2021 to 8.71% by June 2025. This growth is attributed to earlier policy incentives, increased public awareness, and the expansion of charging infrastructure. However, officials acknowledge that more needs to be done, especially to address range anxiety and ensure balanced growth across urban and rural regions.
Strategic and Inclusive Approach
The new policy was shaped during a high-level brainstorming session involving the Commerce & Transport and Energy departments, led by Principal Secretaries Usha Padhee and Vishal Kumar Dev. The approach is holistic—addressing both supply-side factors (such as local EV manufacturing and assembly units) and demand-side measures (direct incentives, reduced taxes, and public campaigns).
Building a Model EV Ecosystem
Odisha’s EV Policy 2.0 aims to create a balanced and inclusive ecosystem that benefits consumers, businesses, and the environment. By supporting local manufacturing, expanding charging networks, and offering generous incentives, the state is positioning itself as a national leader in electric mobility.
With these measures, Odisha is set to become a model for EV adoption and sustainable transport, inspiring other states to follow suit.
