EV CNG Hydrogen Vehicles may get a five-year extension in their permissible age limit under a new government proposal.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed the change for eligible commercial vehicles operating under the national permit system.
The proposal is part of draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The draft notification was issued on August 10, and the government has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 30 days.
EV CNG Hydrogen Vehicles Could Get Longer Life
Under the proposed changes, the existing age limits for eligible battery-operated, hydrogen fuel-based and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles would increase by five years.
For vehicles currently subject to a 12-year limit, the proposed age limit would become 17 years. For vehicles with a 15-year limit, it could rise to 20 years. The proposed relaxation would not apply to all commercial vehicles.
The move could give fleet operators more time to use eligible cleaner-fuel vehicles before they reach the permitted age limit.
It also comes as the government seeks to promote cleaner commercial transportation by making alternative-fuel vehicles more financially viable for operators.
National Permit Process May Become Digital
The draft amendment also proposes changes to the national permit system. Permit holders could be allowed to obtain authorisation for up to five years instead of renewing it every year.
The annual authorisation fee is proposed to remain at ₹16,500. A five-year authorisation would therefore cost ₹82,500 under the proposal.
The government also plans greater use of the VAHAN portal, which could reduce paperwork and manual processes involved in vehicle-related applications and registrations.
What The Proposal Means For Fleet Operators
A longer permitted operating period could improve the economics of eligible EV, CNG and hydrogen commercial vehicles.
Operators may get additional time to recover their investment and continue using vehicles that meet the proposed eligibility conditions.
However, these are proposed changes and are not yet final rules. The government has sought feedback from stakeholders before deciding on the amendments.
Other Changes In The Draft Rules
The draft amendment also includes changes concerning temporary vehicle registration.
It proposes provisions for temporary registration of chassis without a body for six months, with scope for an extension in certain circumstances.
The proposed amendments are part of a wider effort to simplify national permit procedures, increase digital processing and make vehicle-related regulatory processes easier for operators.
For owners and operators of eligible commercial vehicles, the EV CNG Hydrogen Vehicles proposal could become important if the draft changes are finalised.
Until then, the existing age limits and applicable permit rules continue to apply.
