Tax boost for EVs, GST slashed to 5% from 12%

In a landmark move by the government, the GST Council has brought down the GST rate on electric vehicles (EVs) to 5 per cent from 12 per cent. The move has come as a shot in the arm for the auto industry which has been pushing for a tax boost to promote the sale of EVs.

The Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV) has welcomed the move to slash the GST.

The move comes at a time when the government is already in the process of making EVs affordable. In another move which could significantly alter consumer behaviour in favour of EVs, the govt is likely to hike the registration charges on petrol/diesel vehicles.