Gujarat’s EV Policy Failure Exposed in National Rankings

Gujarat’s green mobility aspiration is faltering. Placed 16th on the India Electric Mobility Index (IEMI) 2024, the state has revealed stark deficiencies in EV infrastructure, subsidies, and policy implementation. Despite four years of the Gujarat State EV Policy, EV uptake remains abysmally low with just 942 electric buses, a negligible number of subsidised vehicles, and weak charging infrastructure.

Amid surging petrol and diesel prices, which have worsened citizens’ financial strain, electric vehicles (EVs) should have been Gujarat’s path to cheaper, cleaner transport. Instead, the state has been left trailing. The IEMI, launched by the central government, assesses states on policy measures, governance, public-private investment, R&D, charging networks, and innovation in e-mobility. Gujarat’s showing is troubling: the state managed only 37 out of 100 for EV promotion and operations; it recorded an R&D score of 46, EV charging infrastructure 44, and private EV uptake 51. However, the state collapsed in commercial EV adoption, scoring a staggering 5, placing it 27th nationally. Charging points scored no better with 24, ranking Gujarat 22nd. This poor standing comes despite the state unveiling the ‘Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy’ in 2021, intended to spur EV adoption. Four years on, the situation on the ground is markedly different. Gujarat, noted for its industrial expansion, is not even among the top 10 states for EV promotion or infrastructure, prompting questions about governance and environmental priorities.

Subsidy Promises vs. Reality: The Numbers Don’t Add Up

The disconnect between policy pledges and on-the-ground outcomes is apparent in subsidy rollout. While 1.75 crore electric two-wheelers were registered across the country last year, Gujarat awarded subsidies to only 7,923 students between 2015 and 2021.

The picture is bleaker for three-wheelers: of 11.67 lakh registered nationally, Gujarat subsidised merely 87 between 2018 and 2021.

Public transport reflects similar neglect. The whole state has only 942 electric buses, a poor tally for a state that boasts industrial leadership. Congress leaders allege corruption in subsidy distribution, asserting funds meant to encourage EV uptake are being diverted.

Fuel Taxes and Public Burden

The BJP-led central government’s fiscal approach compounds the problem. According to Gujarat Congress spokesperson Dr. Hiren Banker, “The government has collected Rs 30 lakh crore in a decade through indiscriminate petrol and diesel taxes, while failing to build a strong EV ecosystem. With petrol and diesel costs rising, people are caught between increasing living expenses and an almost non-existent EV infrastructure.”

Congress Hits Back, Demands Urgent Action

Dr. Banker criticised the state’s “false claims” of renewable energy leadership, pointing to the IEMI report as evidence of failure.

“The BJP government has been making grand promises on EV promotion, but this central government report lays bare the reality. After four years of policy, there is hardly any infrastructure or progress,” Banker said.

The Congress has called for a thorough revamp of Gujarat’s EV policy, including rapid expansion of charging stations, increased R&D funding, and transparency in subsidy allocation.

Key Data Highlights : Gujarat’s EV Performance

Gujarat’s mediocre placing on the IEMI presents a stark reality: without immediate policy correction, the state risks slipping further behind in India’s electric mobility race, forcing citizens to shoulder the twin burdens of soaring fuel bills and policy failure.

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Rajkumar Gupta

Tech enthusiast and researcher passionate about innovations shaping the future of mobility.