Odisha Drafts EV Policy 2025 to Drive Green Mobility

• Odisha’s draft EV Policy 2025 aims for 50% electric vehicle adoption in new registrations by 2030
• Policy includes fast-charging stations on highways, subsidies for EVs and battery-swapping stations
• Plans for Centres of Excellence, startup incubation hubs, a dedicated Rs 15 crore R&D grant

The Odisha government has released the draft Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2025, which aims to promote green mobility and make the state a frontrunner in sustainable transport.

The draft targets achieving 50 per cent electric vehicle usage across all new vehicle registrations by 2030 for two- and three-wheelers, cars, buses, trucks, construction equipment, and other vehicle classes.

The policy provides enhanced incentives since the state did not meet its previous target under the 2021 EV policy, which indicated a 20 per cent adoption rate by August 2025, while only achieving a 9 per cent adoption rate.

The draft establishes new performance and efficiency linked subsidies covering the purchase of electric vehicles, retrofitted vehicles, and new categories of electric vehicles.

Infrastructure development to support the use of electric vehicles is an important aspect of the draft. The draft indicates that all fuel pumps located on National and State Highways in Odisha, along with all bus terminals and registered stops operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation, are mandated to install at least one fast-charging station at their disposal. 

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The draft policy provides funding through  Viability Gap Funding to pave the way for the installation of fast-charging stations across the State. Furthermore, it indicates that the first 100 public battery-swapping stations would receive capital subsidies.

The policy also includes an emphasis on research and innovation, as well as workforce development. A minimum of three Centres of Excellence will be established, focusing on electric vehicle research and development, charging infrastructure, and hydrogen technologies. Supporting incubation hubs for start-ups will continue backed by a dedicated Rs 15 crore 'Chief Minister’s EV R&D Grant'. The SCTE&VT will provide training for skilled EV professionals, with a target of 500 by 2030.

Within six months, all government vehicles will be converted to electric, and school buses, ambulances, and PCR vans will follow within 12-months. The State EV Cell, Steering Committee and Task Force will facilitate smooth implementation.

The draft policy has an expiration date of December 31, 2030, and the government has invited public input for a period of 30 days from the date of publication. Odisha aims to transform its transport ecosystem through this initiative, as well as assisting with India's decarbonisation and Net Zero 2070 objectives.