New Delhi: Bihar is positioning itself as the next big destination for electric vehicle (EV) investment, with Industry Minister Nitish Mishra announcing that the state has the highest potential for industrial development in the region.
Speaking at the first Bihar Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Conclave in New Delhi on Friday, Mishra said Bihar’s strategic location makes it a natural hub for trade and logistics. “With proximity to Nepal, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh, Bihar is emerging as a gateway for regional trade. Investors will greatly benefit from the Industrial Investment Promotion Package 2025, supported by single-window clearance and simplified administrative processes,” he said.
The conclave was organized by the Department of Industries in collaboration with WRI India, drawing participation from over 100 industry representatives, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), auto component makers, charging infrastructure developers, battery recyclers, and fleet aggregators.
Additional Chief Secretary Mihir Kumar Singh highlighted Bihar’s strength as a young workforce-driven state. “Bihar offers the youngest workforce in India, backed by skill development incentives, a strong educational framework, and targeted infrastructure development,” Singh said.
Key speakers included Prashant Banerjee (Executive Director, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), Koyal Kumar Mandal (Director, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation), Neha Kumar (South Asia Head, Climate Bonds Initiative), Pawan Mulukutla (Executive Program Director, WRI India), and Felipe A. Ramirez Buitrago (Director, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities).
Key Highlights of Bihar’s EV Manufacturing Policy
- Direct Subsidies for EV Buyers: Up to Rs 20,000 on two-wheelers, Rs 30,000 on three-wheelers, Rs 1.5 lakh on four-wheelers, and up to Rs 20 lakh on electric buses.
- Infrastructure Support: 25% capital subsidy for EV charging and battery-swapping stations, plus a 30% electricity rate subsidy on public charging stations for the first three years.
- Tax & Fee Waivers: 75% discount on motor vehicle registration fees, 100% waiver on road tax for EVs registered during the policy period, and permit fee waivers for commercial EVs.
With its ambitious policies and investor-friendly reforms, the Bihar government is eyeing rapid adoption of electric mobility and establishing the state as a competitive player in India’s growing EV ecosystem.
