The scheme aimed at providing subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) in Goa has not garnered the expected response from the public. Despite the state government’s plan to subsidize 5,600 EVs annually, only a quarter of this target has applied for the subsidy.
The current scheme, introduced by a cabinet decision in February, allows a 90-day window for EV owners who made their purchases since August 2022 to apply for subsidies. The previous scheme, which was active from December 2021 to July 2022, has now been replaced.
The Goa Energy Development Agency (GEDA) is overseeing the implementation of this initiative and has received just over 1,100 applications so far. The objective of the scheme is to promote the adoption of EVs in various vehicle categories, particularly in two-wheelers, public/shared transport, and goods carriers.
The initial aim of the scheme, launched in December 2021, was to increase the market share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to 25% of all new vehicle registrations by 2024, leading to environmental benefits like reduced greenhouse gas emissions, noise levels, and fossil fuel usage in the transport sector.
