Top 5 EV Charging Policy Changes in Chandigarh This Year

Chandigarh, often lauded as a pioneer in sustainable urban development, has made significant strides in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. As the city aims to become a Model EV City by 2027, policy makers have rolled out a series of EV charging policy changes in 2025 to address the growing demand, improve infrastructure, and encourage greener mobility. This article explores the top five EV charging policy changes in Chandigarh this year, providing insights into what these changes mean for residents, businesses, and the city’s future.

Why EV Charging Policies Matter in Chandigarh

Chandigarh’s rapid EV adoption has made it one of India’s leading cities for electric vehicle registrations. Effective EV charging policies are crucial for:

• Ensuring widespread access to charging infrastructure
• Supporting the city’s zero-emission goals
• Encouraging more residents to switch to electric vehicles
• Enhancing convenience and reducing range anxiety

The Top 5 EV Charging Policy Changes in Chandigarh in 2025

1. Major Expansion of Public EV Charging Infrastructure

One of the most impactful changes in 2025 is the planned expansion of public EV charging stations across Chandigarh. The administration is committed to making charging accessible in every neighborhood, with the goal of supporting the city’s ambitious EV Policy. Key highlights include:

• New Charging Points: By March 2025, 27 new locations will be operational, featuring a mix of high, medium, and low-speed chargers.
• Sector Integration: Charging points are being installed in busy parking areas such as Sector 9 and Sector 17, ensuring convenient access in high-traffic zones.
• Current and Upcoming Stations: Currently, 14 public charging stations are operational, with five more launching soon. The city aims for 100 public charging stations within the initial two years of the EV policy rollout.
• Real-Time Access: The Electriva app allows citizens to locate and access live status updates for all charging stations in Chandigarh.

Table: Chandigarh’s EV Charging Station Growth

2. Launch of a Digital EV Subsidy Portal

To streamline the subsidy process, the administration has introduced a dedicated online portal (www.ChandigarhEV.com). This platform is designed to:

• Allow EV owners to apply for incentives online, eliminating the need to visit government offices
• Increase transparency and speed in subsidy disbursal
• Enable tracking of application status and real-time feedback
• Process incentives ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹2 lakh for up to 42,000 vehicles

The portal, currently in its final testing phase, is set to become the primary channel for all future EV incentive applications in Chandigarh, reflecting the city’s commitment to digital governance and citizen convenience.

3. Reallocation and Optimization of EV Subsidies

Chandigarh’s administration has adjusted its subsidy allocations to respond to high demand and evolving adoption trends:

• Quota Adjustments: The initial 2,000 slots for personal electric cars with a ₹1.5-lakh incentive have been fully utilized.
• Reallocation Proposal: The city has requested the central government’s approval to transfer unused quotas from e-cycles and e-commercial vehicles to electric cars, potentially benefiting more car buyers.
• Encouragement for Other EV Categories: Residents are being encouraged to explore incentives for e-cycles and e-bikes, where subsidies remain available.
• Incentive Disbursal: As of late 2024, over ₹34.73 crore had been distributed in incentives, with thousands of applications processed.

4. Waivers and Freebies for EV Owners

To further boost EV adoption, Chandigarh continues to offer several non-monetary incentives for electric vehicle owners, including:

• Free Parking: All EVs enjoy free parking throughout the city, providing ongoing savings and convenience.
• Road Tax and Registration Fee Waivers: EV owners are exempt from paying road tax and vehicle registration fees for five years—a significant financial benefit compared to conventional vehicle owners.
• Phased Fuel Vehicle Restrictions: The EV policy aims to gradually phase out new registrations of fuel-powered vehicles, although recent policy revisions have temporarily lifted some of these caps in response to public demand.

These measures aim to make EV ownership more attractive and affordable, thereby accelerating the shift toward cleaner transportation.

5. Enhanced Security and Maintenance for Charging Stations

Recognizing challenges in maintaining public infrastructure, the administration has prioritized the security and maintenance of EV charging stations:

• Addressing Equipment Theft: Incidents of equipment theft—amounting to losses of over ₹1.5 crore—had previously hampered the rollout of charging stations.
• Improved Monitoring: New security protocols and monitoring systems are being implemented at charging locations to deter vandalism and theft, ensuring uninterrupted service.
• Faster Repairs: The administration has expedited repair and replacement processes to minimize downtime at affected stations.

How These Policy Changes Impact Chandigarh Residents

These policy shifts are already having a noticeable impact on the city’s EV landscape:

• Better and more accessible charging options mean reduced range anxiety for EV users
• Digital processes are making it easier to access government incentives and support
• Financial and non-financial incentives lower the barriers to EV adoption
• Enhanced infrastructure security ensures reliability for all users

Comparing Chandigarh’s EV Charging Initiatives with Other Indian Cities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I find the nearest EV charging station in Chandigarh?

You can use the Electriva app to locate charging stations and check their real-time availability across Chandigarh. Major parking lots in Sectors 9 and 17, among others, now have operational charging points.

What are the current financial incentives for buying an EV in Chandigarh?

Depending on the vehicle category, incentives range from ₹3,000 to ₹2 lakh. These can now be accessed through the online portal, making the process faster and more transparent.

Are there any special benefits for EV owners besides subsidies?

Yes, EV owners currently enjoy free parking citywide, as well as waivers on road tax and vehicle registration fees for five years.

What should I do if I face issues at a public charging station?

If you encounter problems, such as malfunctioning equipment or security concerns, you can report them via the Electriva app or contact the CREST office for quick resolution.

Is the online subsidy application portal fully functional?

The portal (www.ChandigarhEV.com) is currently in its beta phase and will be fully launched soon. Meanwhile, you can still submit applications manually at the CREST office.

Can I still register a fuel-powered vehicle in Chandigarh?

While there was a planned phase-out of new fuel-powered vehicle registrations, the cap has been temporarily lifted due to stakeholder input. However, the long-term goal remains to encourage EV adoption and reduce emissions.

Key Takeaways

• Chandigarh’s EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, with dozens of new public stations set to launch by March 2025.
• A new online subsidy portal simplifies the process of claiming EV incentives.
• Subsidy quotas are being optimized to maximize benefits for residents, especially those purchasing electric cars.
• Ongoing incentives, such as free parking and road tax waivers, make EV ownership more attractive.
• Enhanced security and maintenance protocols at charging stations ensure reliability and uptime for users.
• These changes position Chandigarh as a national leader in sustainable urban mobility, setting a benchmark for other cities.

With robust policies, smart technology, and a clear vision for the future, Chandigarh is charging ahead toward its goal of becoming India’s Model EV City. The city’s residents and businesses alike can look forward to a cleaner, greener, and more connected future on the road.