In a move aimed at accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption across India, the government is planning to issue a formal clarification regarding the exemption of EVs from the 15-year “End of Life” rule that currently applies to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Sources within the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) have confirmed that the clarification will reaffirm the government’s earlier stance that electric vehicles are not subject to the 15-year cap, which mandates de-registration of older vehicles unless renewed.
The decision is expected to offer greater assurance to both prospective buyers and automakers that EVs will be allowed to remain on roads beyond the 15-year mark without facing the regulatory hurdles imposed on traditional fuel-powered vehicles.
This development comes as part of the government’s broader push to strengthen the EV ecosystem under its decarbonization and e-mobility goals. Officials believe that the exemption could significantly enhance consumer confidence, helping to close the gap between EV production and actual sales.
Industry experts have welcomed the move, stating it would remove a major psychological barrier to EV adoption, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities, where resale value and vehicle longevity are key purchasing factors.
An official notification is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
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