There has been a significant increase in the prices of oil and gas at the global level and the impact of the same has been felt in our country. The recent massive increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, gas have again brought in to focus the need for development of alternative means of surface transportation. Also environmental issue and climate change aspects are becoming crucial and there is a need for reducing vehicle emissions, it is imperative and necessary measures by taken to increase the use of eco friendly vehicles which reduce noise, air pollution and also help to conserve / supplement fossil fuels. As a part of the overall programme for development of alternative means of fuels of surface transportation, MNRE GOI is supporting the Battery Operated Vehicles Programme and assistance in the form of capital grant / subsidy is provided.

Salient features and objectives of this programme is as under : The objective of the programme are to promote BOVs which are non-polluting and quiet in operation, conserve petroleum products, curb environmental pollution, to get feed back on the performance of BOVs in actual operating for continuous improvement of the BOS, and also for awareness promotion for the eco-friendly vehicles among the people.

1. New indigenously manufactured battery operated buses/ mini buses (10 seater and above), with at least 70Km range in a single charge of batteries and a top speed of 40km/hour. The central subsidy provided by MNES will be @33% of the cost of vehicle (exclusive of excise duty, sales tax and all other levies), or Rs. 3.50 lakhs per vehicle, whichever is less. The beneficiary is required to pay the balance cost of the BOV.
   
   
2. New, indigenously manufactured battery operated three wheelers (8 seater and above) having a range of at least 90kms before recharge of traction batteries used, and a top speed of 45km/hour. The central subsidy by MNES will be @33% of the cost of vehicle (exclusive of excise duty, sales tax and all other levies), or Rs. 80,000/- per vehicle, whichever is less. The beneficiary is required to pay the balance cost of BOVs.
   
   
3. New, indigenously manufactured battery operated passenger cars (each four seater) having a range of at least 90 kms range in a single charge of batteries and a top speed of 50km/hour. The central subsidy provided by MNES will be @33% of the cost of vehicle (exclusive of excise duty, sales tax and all other levies), or Rs. 75,000/- per vehicle, whichever is less. The beneficiary is required to pay the balance cost of BOVs.        

For battery operated buses / mini buses and battery operated passenger three wheelers (8 seater and above), the following categories of beneficiares will be eligible for the provision of subsidy under this programme :

1. Government organizations, government undertakings and autonomous institutions
   
   
2.  Public / Private Limited companies, Registered voluntary institutions under the Societies Registration Act, Registered professional Associations of repute registered under the Societies Registration Act.

For battery operated (Four seater) passenger cars, the subsidy will be applicable only for public institutions and not for individuals. Public institutions may include government organizations, public sector organizations, educational institutions, hospitals and tourism and archaeological sites among others. In order to create awareness among the masses to conserve petroleum products, the PEDA under the guidance of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India is inviting proposals from the government organizational, government undertakings, autonomous institutions, public or private limited companies, registered voluntary institutions, hospitals, educational institutions, red cross societies and rotary clubs, to avail assistance from the central government for purchase of battery operated vehicles. The different types of battery operated capacity, tentative cost and other technical features are tabulated below :

The other technical features of battery operated vehicles are :

1. Easy to drive and park
2. Easy to maintain
3. Easy to charge
4. Economical (less than Rs. /km)
5. Zero emission / whisper quite drive.

            Under the above programme, PEDA has recently provided 6 nos. Battery Operated four wheeler vehicles (REVA Cars) to Police Distt. Mohali.