AEEE and Barefoot Trust join forces to overcome EV challenges in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 29, 2023

Efforts are on to introduce Electric Vehicles (EV) in the state of Meghalaya even as stakeholders are discussing challenges that comes with the initiative.

Bibhudutta Sahu, Consultant, Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) revealed that a unique consultation was held recently wherein the organisers took every effort to engage end to end stakeholders from the government and private sectors.

A stakeholder consultation on Meghalaya EV Policy and financing opportunities was organised by Transport department, government of Meghalaya and AEEE to discuss the EV proposal in the state

Sahu said, “This platform provided us with necessary knowledge of the challenges faced at every layer of the automobile / public transport sector. We plan on addressing these challenges and converting them into solutions and opportunities for the statizens of Meghalaya. We are hopeful that the government of Meghalaya will incorporate the suggestions into the EV policy in a phase wise manner and work with the local partners for creating awareness.”

No road tax for electric vehicles in Meghalaya

AEEE and Barefoot Trust have started developing institutional partnerships and on the ground in-depth interactions to understand the obstacles and explore phase wise solutions as well as pilot-projects in specific sectors.

It may be mentioned that on October 18, the Transport Department of Meghalaya, in collaboration with the AEEE, recently hosted a pivotal stakeholder consultation on the Meghalaya EV policy at the Taj Vivanta on the 18th of October 2023.

At the consultation, Dr. Vikas Nimesh from AEEE showcased the Meghalaya EV policy, highlighting suggested amendments for the audience’s perusal and feedback. These amendments predominantly centered on retrofitting older vehicles, spurring entrepreneurship in the EV sector, and introducing skill development courses.

Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, advocated for a transition to EVs in Meghalaya, addressing India’s reliance on fossil fuels juxtaposed with the global shift to EVs.

First ever electric vehicle charging station set up at Shillong

Ethelbert Kharmalki, Commissioner of Transport, deliberated on the intricacies of setting up charging stations and how AEEE’s expertise could be instrumental in sculpting effective incentives. Collectively, their insights stressed the vitality of workshops, subsidies, policy reforms, and alternative energy sources for a greener Meghalaya.

AEEE’s proposed amendments emphasized tailoring the policy to meet local demands. Participants envisaged a future where environmental conservation seamlessly melds with economic growth, facilitated by robust EV infrastructure, strategic charging network development, and empowering skill-development initiatives.