Chandigarh: In a surprising twist, the Registering and Licensing Authority (RLA)—one of the Chandigarh administration‘s key revenue-generating departments—has seen a steady rise in earnings from electric vehicle (EV) registrations over the past four years, despite offering a 100 per cent road tax exemption on EV purchases.
The RLA’s revenue from EV registrations has grown more than threefold since 2022. That year, the department earned just ₹3.60 lakh from EV registrations. In 2023, the figure jumped to ₹12.38 lakh, followed by ₹13.21 lakh in 2024. In the current year, ₹9.17 lakh has already been collected by the end of September—indicating continued momentum.
What makes this growth noteworthy is that the RLA collects only the registration fee for EVs, as buyers are exempt from paying road tax. The fee includes charges for the registration certificate, dispatch, and any applicable financing costs. The rates vary between two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Sources within the department attribute the revenue boost to the surge in EV adoption, driven by a growing number of manufacturers offering affordable models, attractive features, and competitive pricing. “The rise in EV registrations is purely demand-driven. With more choices now available in both two-wheeler and four-wheeler segments, people are increasingly opting for electric mobility,” a source said.
As Chandigarh continues to push for cleaner transportation, the RLA’s data reflects a promising shift in consumer behavior—one that’s not only environmentally conscious but also economically beneficial for the administration.
