Chandigarh Offers Two-Wheeler Subsidy On EVs for Women, Eyes 18% Penetration by 2026

The Chandigarh Government has put forward an ambitious package of incentives in order to increase the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) that specifically targets women customers. At the fourth Review Meeting of Chandigarh Union Territory's (UT) EV Policy, presided over by Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma, officials announced a proposal to provide increased financial incentives of ₹12,500 per kWh, subject to a maximum of ₹37,500 per vehicle, to women who buy electric two-wheelers. It is among the most specific gender-specific EV subsidy proposals in the nation.

Also Read: Delhi Extends EV Policy Deadline Again

To achieve its target of 18 per cent EV penetration by 2025–26, the Union Territory has also suggested the following changes:

• Halving the cost of electric two-wheelers from ₹5,000/kWh to ₹10,000/kWh, capped at ₹30,000.
• Up to ₹5,000 first-year insurance subsidy to reduce the cost of ownership.
• Incentives for electric two-wheelers increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000, on a 25% cost subsidy basis.
• A suggested hike in the subsidised electric four-wheelers' cap from 2,000 to 3,500 units.
• Upgrade of the EV charging infrastructure on the lines of renewable energy-driven charging hubs.

Impact on Citizens: Financial Relief and Greener Urban Transit

For Chandigarh residents, especially women, these incentives substantially lower the entry barrier to EV ownership. The additional insurance benefit and subsidy increase effectively narrow the cost gap between ICE and electric two-wheelers. The renewed focus on expanding renewable-based charging hubs also addresses key consumer concerns around charging accessibility and environmental credibility.

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Delhi’s Strategy: Policy Continuity and Cleaner Ambitions

Delhi has extended its existing EV policy until March 31, 2026, marking a continued commitment to its ‘Green Delhi’ vision. Initially launched in 2020, the policy had lapsed in 2023 but was revived amidst growing EV adoption.

Key takeaways from Delhi’s renewed EV outlook:

• Ongoing stakeholder consultations to revamp the EV policy, involving citizens, industry, and environmental experts.
• Focus on improving charging infrastructure, revising battery disposal mechanisms, and strengthening e-waste management.

Piloted (but not yet implemented) radical reforms such as:

1. Phasing out CNG auto-rickshaws by August 2025.
2. Prohibiting petrol, diesel, and CNG two-wheelers after August 2026.
3. Predicted continuation of subsidies for EVs costing less than ₹25 lakh to keep them inclusive.

The policy direction of Delhi is towards a comprehensive overhaul, including aggressive curbs on fossil fuel vehicles. Yet, the absence of approval for principal proposals highlights the difficulty in reconciling ambition with realistic implementation.

Also Read: Delhi EV Policy 2.0: What Does It Mean For You?

Maharashtra’s 2025 EV Policy: Scale, Infrastructure, and Manufacturing Push

In contrast to Chandigarh’s people-centric subsidies and Delhi’s regulatory ambition, Maharashtra’s 2025 EV Policy takes a more systemic and infrastructure-heavy approach, aiming for 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030. 

Highlights include:

• Segment-wise targets: 40 per cent for two- and three-wheelers, 30% for four-wheelers and goods carriers, 40 per cent for buses, and 10% for agricultural vehicles.
• Compulsory EV-ready parking facilities in all new residential and commercial complexes.
• Recharging points at 25 km intervals on highways, government centres, and all MSRTC bus stations.
• Beneficial purchaser incentives: ₹10,000 for two-wheelers, ₹30,000 for three-wheelers, up to ₹2 lakh for transportation EVs.
• Production-linked incentives to EV companies having factories in the state.
• 100 per cent motor vehicle tax concession and toll exemptions on prominent corridors such as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway.

The policy also promotes national-level green mobility objectives through the identification of the Pune-Mumbai Expressway as a pilot green hydrogen corridor, bringing in various clean energy solutions together. 

Also Read: India Keeps EVs, Small Cars Out Of Duty Cuts. Here's Why

A Greater National Initiative

While no single national EV policy exists as yet, the Centre's recent focus on green hydrogen, incentives for renewable charging, and e-mobility financing does suggest a state-led strategy might be the realistic way forward. With more than a dozen states having made or revised EV policies in recent years, the direction is certain even if the course changes.