Maharashtra Boosts EV Adoption with Toll Waivers and Incentives

In a significant step toward promoting sustainable mobility, the Maharashtra government has announced a complete toll waiver for electric four-wheelers and electric buses on some of the most prominent expressways in the state.

The decision was finalised during a state cabinet meeting in Mumbai and aligns with the broader goals of the Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025. According to officials, this revision aims to accelerate EV adoption by reducing operational costs for users, especially those who travel frequently on high-traffic corridors.

Under the new policy, EVs will be exempt from toll charges on major expressways, including the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link), and the Samruddhi Mahamarg (Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Expressway). In addition, the state has extended a 50 percent concession on tolls for EVs across all other state and national highways managed by the Maharashtra Public Works Department (PWD), providing immediate economic relief and an added incentive for consumers to switch from internal-combustion vehicles.

Alongside the toll waiver, the revised policy offers further incentives for prospective buyers, including full exemption from motor vehicle tax and all registration and renewal fees. Purchase discounts have been extended through 2030, and buyers can benefit from a ten percent reduction in the base price of various electric vehicles viz. two-wheelers, three-wheelers, non-transport four-wheelers, and electric buses operated by both public and private urban transport agencies.

A statement from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s office confirmed the government’s commitment to building a robust, inclusive EV ecosystem in Maharashtra. The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative reflects the state’s vision of fostering clean, safe, and affordable transportation while contributing meaningfully to national carbon-reduction goals. By making EVs more financially viable and accessible, the state hopes to drive a significant increase in adoption rates over the coming years.

While commenting on the policy, Nikhil Anand Khurana, MD and CEO of Folks Motor, said, “The Maharashtra EV Policy 2025 is a progressive move that aligns with India’s larger ambition to become a global leader in sustainable mobility. The roadmap sets a benchmark for other states by offering toll-free access on major highways and incentives across 13 vehicle categories, easing the financial burden on end users and accelerating commercial EV adoption. By partnering with oil marketing companies to install chargers at petrol stations and allocating 60–70 percent of charging space for smaller vehicles, the policy directly benefits fleet operators, gig workers, and urban commuters. Viability gap funding of ₹10 lakh for public charging operators further drives private-sector participation. Policies like this prove that India’s EV journey is built on long-term ecosystem development and inclusive growth.”

Akshay Shekhar, CEO and Co-founder of Kazam, added, “Maharashtra’s new EV policy is truly ambitious and inclusive. By addressing charging-point shortages in older housing societies and opening bus depots for public charging of two- and three-wheelers, it solves real-world problems faced by delivery and fleet drivers. At Kazam, we’ve seen how reliable charging access boosts earnings and streamlines operations. This thoughtful approach not only fosters cleaner cities but also propels the entire EV ecosystem forward, and we’re proud to support it.”

As India seeks to become a global leader in renewable energy and clean transportation, Maharashtra’s proactive approach could serve as a model for other states.