The Government of Maharashtra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RMI to support the adoption and promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Maharashtra at Glasgow in the United Kingdom.
Under the signing that took place at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP26), RMI will provide technical support to implement state’s recently launched EV Policy.
RMI, a 40-year-old non-profit organisation, is working on clean energy transitions globally. It has partnered with RMI India, an organization working on India’s clean energy and mobility issues, to work along with public and private sector agencies on electric mobility.
“We look forward to further our partnership on electric mobility, zero-emissions vehicles (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 Maharashtra EV Policy, which was approved in July this year, aims to have a 10% share of EVs in total registrations by 2025. Maharashtra EV Policy also targets conversion of 15% of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) fleet into electric by 2025.
Maharashtra EV 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.
“The size and scale of economic growth in Maharashtra provide it 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,” said Jule Kortenhorst, CEO of RMI.
Kortenhorst 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.
“Maharashtra has notified one of the most progressive sub-national EV policies,” said Akshima Ghate, Senior Director, RMI India. RMI India was inspired by Thackeray’s vision for 100% 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 decarbonising its transportation sector, she said.
Going forward, RMI will work with Maharashtra’s State Council on Climate Change to chart out a decarbonization pathway for the state.
