The government has been offering a broad financial package to encourage electric vehicles and there is a plan to offer incentives of Rs5.7 billion.
The Punjab Transport Department has made detailed proposals to the government for providing the public with affordable, clean and modern transportation facilities.
According to sources, the plan has direct subsidy plans for motorcycles, rickshaws, and cars.
Electric bikes are expected to get discounts of Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 and electric rickshaws could get subsidies of Rs25,000.
Small electric cars can get up to Rs100,000 while large electric cars up to Rs200,000 in subsidies.
For buses and other electric vehicles on the commercial basis, assistance of Rs400,000 to Rs500,000 has also been suggested. The plan also includes special rebates for trading in old vehicles for new electric vehicles to discourage the use of old and polluting vehicles.
Regarding infrastructure, the proposal takes the target of installing 1,200 Level 1 charging points all across the cities, including 400 battery swapping stations and 300 fast charging stations.
Those installing charging stations would receive capital subsidies and tax incentives; petrol pumps being converted into charging stations would get special taxation exemptions on their properties.
To support the local industry, the plan suggests research grants for the industry, setting up battery testing labs, and industrial project incentives such as battery recycling plants. Additionally, the gradual electrification of the fleets of government, municipal and public transport fleets is proposed.
According to the Transport Department, the main objectives of the project include reliance on fuel imports, air pollution reduction and offering the citizens environmentally-friendly transport options.
Officials say that the promotion of electric vehicles will not only have a positive impact on the economy, but also pave the way for a clean and sustainable transport system in the future.
