Kerala govt okays e-vehicle policy; to procure 6,000 buses by 2025

The govt has also started discussion with a Swiss company to manufacture electric buses, as a joint venture

The government of Kerala has finalised an electric vehicle (EV) policy for the state. The Cabinet approval came with some changes in the draft policy. One aim is to procure 6,000 electric buses for the state road transport corporation by 2025. In the first phase, EV buses will ply in Thiruvananthapuram. Other vehicles powered by electricity are to be progressively phased in. Charging stations will be set up.

Use of e-rickshaws is to be expanded through state-owned Kerala Automobiles. Subsidies and other incentives would be given, from both central and state governments. The state Budget for 2019-20 has proposed