India's leading electric car manufacturer Tata Motors is actively lobbying against potential tax cuts on hybrid vehicles in the country, asserting that hybrids are more environmentally harmful than pure electric vehicles (EVs). This stance from Tata Motors contrasts with the push from other automakers like Toyota for reduced taxes on hybrids, Reuters reported.
As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to combat pollution, India has been actively promoting electric vehicles, offering them a low tax rate of just 5 percent. In contrast, hybrid cars face a significantly higher tax rate of 43 percent, just below the 48 percent levied on traditional petrol cars.
Tata Motors, in a letter to the government, says there’s a need to incentivise EVs over hybrids, citing the latter's higher pollution levels. The company contends that supporting hybrid vehicles through tax cuts would be counterproductive to the government's overall environmental goals.
This development comes amidst a broader global shift towards sustainable transportation, with automakers increasingly focusing on electric and hybrid technologies. The position taken by Tata Motors not only aligns with its commitment to electric mobility but also sets the stage for a potential divergence in regulatory approaches within the Indian automotive market. As the government considers its stance on hybrid taxation, the industry and environmental advocates will be closely monitoring the outcome, anticipating the impact on the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in the country.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Suraj Viswanathan
Hormazd Sorabjee
Kiran Murali
