Maharashtra govt signs MoU with RMI to promote electric mobility

Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray (centre) while signing the MoU

The Maharashtra govt has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RMI to support the adoption and promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the state. RMI will provide technical support to implement the state's recently launched EV Policy. The signing took place in Glasgow, United Kingdom, at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26).

According to a press release issued to the media, the Maharashtra EV Policy approved in July this year aims to have a 10 per cent share of EVs in total registrations by 2025. It targets conversion of 15 per cent of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet into electric by 2025. The policy provides fiscal incentives for EV buyers and for the manufacturers of EVs and EV components along with subsidies for the creation of charging infrastructure.

RMI is a 40-year-old non-profit working on clean energy transitions globally. It has been partnering with RMI India, an organisation working on India's clean energy and mobility issues, to work with public and private sector agencies on electric mobility. In Maharashtra, RMI has already been engaging with the city of Pune through its City EV Accelerator platform to make Pune EV-ready.

"We look forward to further our partnership on electric mobility, ZEV, hydrogen fuel and decarbonisation our transport sector and urban renewal sector," said Aaditya Thackeray, Cabinet Minister for Environment and Climate Change, at the signing of the MoU.

The policy will provide fiscal incentives for EV buyers and for the manufacturers of EVs and EV components along with subsidies for the creation of charging infrastructure

Congratulating the minister on receiving the award for ‘Inspiring Regional Leadership from Under2 Coalition for Climate Action' and his leadership on issues of climate change, Jule Kortenhorst, CEO of RMI highlighted the need to mobilise climate finance and suggested the establishment of a state-backed Green Investment Bank to help finance Maharashtra's climate ambitions.

In his remarks, Korternhorst said, "Maharashtra is showing the leadership for climate action by sub-national governments. The size and scale of economic growth in Maharashtra provide it with the unique opportunity to leapfrog to clean and modern energy systems and be the role model for sub-national governments, not just in India, but globally."

Aaditya Thackeray with other dignitaries

On MoU signing, Akshima Ghate, Senior Director, RMI India said, "Maharashtra has notified one of the most progressive sub-national EV policies. RMI India is inspired by the Hon'ble Minister's vision for 100 per cent electrification of public transport in the state and is looking forward to bringing together RMI and RMI India's expertise to support the state in decarbonizing its transportation sector."