Patna: Bihar has introduced its Electric Vehicle Policy-2026 in a major push to expand the use of electric vehicles across the state. The cabinet approved the policy under the leadership of Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, saying the move is aimed at reducing the state’s dependence on petrol and diesel while tackling growing air pollution. The government says the policy is also designed to support women and create employment in the transport sector as Bihar begins preparing for a wider shift to clean energy.
One of the most talked-about features of the policy is the direct subsidy for women buying electric cars. The government has announced that any electric car registered in a woman’s name will receive financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh. Officials say this is meant to encourage women’s ownership of vehicles while also increasing the number of electric cars on Bihar’s roads. The state has also announced support for electric two-wheelers. Buyers from the general category will receive Rs 10,000, while applicants from SC and ST communities will receive Rs 12,000, making electric scooters and bikes more affordable for families and daily commuters.
Commercial users are also expected to benefit from the scheme. The government will provide Rs 50,000 assistance to general category buyers purchasing electric goods-carrying three-wheelers, while SC and ST applicants will get Rs 60,000. These vehicles are widely used for transporting goods in markets and towns, and officials believe the subsidy will help small business owners lower transport costs. All electric vehicles registered in Bihar will also get a 50% waiver on motor vehicle tax. Additional incentives will be available under the vehicle scrapping programme for those replacing old fuel-powered vehicles with electric ones.
The government has set a target that by 2030, 30 out of every 100 new vehicles registered in Bihar should be electric. It estimates that the policy could help save nearly 100 million litres of fuel every year, reducing both costs and pollution. To make this possible, the state plans to expand charging stations in public and private spaces, including malls, hotels, petrol pumps and high-rise buildings. Grants will be given to organisations setting up charging points. The government also said the scheme would create fresh employment opportunities under the Chief Minister Bihar Environment-Friendly Transport Employment Scheme, helping young people in rural and urban areas find work while supporting a cleaner transport future for the state.
