By News18
From 1 July, Maharashtra鈥檚 so-called EV paradise has become a little less inviting for luxury electric car buyers.
If your dream EV costs over Rs 30 lakh, get ready to pay a fresh 6 percent road tax, wiping away the tax-free advantage that once set these cars apart.
But who still escapes this extra bill?
Premium EVs No Longer Tax-Free
Until now, premium electric models like the BMW iX, Mercedes EQE, Audi e-tron, and Jaguar I-Pace came with zero road tax and slashed registration charges. This not only saved buyers lakhs but also positioned Maharashtra as India鈥檚 most EV-friendly state.
From July, the tables have turned. A buyer picking up an electric SUV worth Rs 70 lakh could pay over Rs 4 lakh extra in taxes. Many dealerships have reported a rush of customers desperate to get their cars delivered before the deadline.
Why the Government Is Charging More
According to Cartoq, officials say the six percent tax is about fairness and funding. The government wants wealthy buyers of luxury EVs to contribute to road maintenance just like petrol and diesel owners do. A 1 percent surcharge has also been introduced on all other non-electric vehicles.
Critics argue this timing couldn鈥檛 be worse. Just as companies like Kia, Volvo, and Tesla plan to bring in more electric cars, the state is sending mixed signals.
Who Can Still Avoid Paying?
If your EV costs under Rs 30 lakh, you鈥檙e safe. Mass-market models like the Tata Nexon EV, Punch EV, Curvv.EV, Harrier.EV, MG ZS EV Windsor, and Mahindra XUV400 still enjoy road tax exemptions and low GST.
For now, these buyers can breathe easy. But many fear this move is the thin end of the wedge, and mid-range EVs could be next.
Will Buyers Look Elsewhere?
Some may register their cars in states like Telangana or Delhi, where incentives remain strong. If this happens, Maharashtra could lose out on registrations, dealership business, and its clean-transport reputation.