Policy intent vs Revenue reality: The recent decision by the Government of Maharashtra to double the Green Tax on vehicles older than 15 years raises a fundamental question — is this truly about pollution control, or a convenient route to generate revenue? Citizens who have already paid road tax, GST, fuel taxes, insurance, and tolls are now being subjected to repeated taxation simply for continuing ownership. This policy appears less like environmental reform and more like systematic financial pressure to push replacement and stimulate new vehicle sales, creating a cycle where citizens are forced to scrap usable vehicles and reinvest under compulsion. Age-based penalty, not scientific reform: The core flaw lies in targeting vehicle age rather than actual emissions. A well-maintained older vehicle may pollute far less than a poorly maintained newer one, yet it is penalised uniformly.

 

In contrast, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany focus on emission norms and strict fitness checks instead of arbitrary age limits. India’s approach, therefore, appears punitive rather than scientific, undermining trust in policy intent. Fuel crisis and the ‘Forced Transition’ narrative: With rising geopolitical tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States, concerns over fuel supply have added urgency to the EV push. While projected as a forward-looking move, this shift increasingly feels like citizens are being forced towards rapid transition without adequate groundwork, placing the burden of adjustment largely on citizens. EV adoption turning into a daily struggle: For citizens who have responsibly shifted to EVs, the experience is far from smooth. What should be an environmentally conscious choice often turns into a nightmarish situation, especially when battery levels are low. EV owners have already paid a significantly higher upfront cost along with higher insurance premiums, trusting promises of long-term savings and national benefit through reduced fuel imports.

 

Yet, even after this investment, the supporting infrastructure remains unreliable. Chargers frequently show “online” but are non-functional. Miscommunication between apps, operators, and ground staff is common. Technical issues like damaged connectors or incompatible plugs persist. Even when chargers are operational, they often deliver far below promised capacity — a 30 or 60 kW charger barely giving 9 kW — or suffer from low voltage, drastically increasing charging time. Lack of discipline and systemic gaps: The challenge is not just infrastructure, but also lack of civic discipline and enforcement. Charging stations are often blocked by conventional vehicles or idle EVs whose owners fail to move after charging. There are no strict penalties or accountability mechanisms. Additionally, the absence of a unified platform forces users to manage multiple apps and payment systems, making a simple task unnecessarily complex. Infrastructure neglect and hidden costs: A critical but overlooked issue is poor road infrastructure. Potholes and repeatedly dug roads not only reflect weak planning, but also damage EV batteries — components that cost nearly 40–50% of the vehicle’s value.

 

This turns an environmentally responsible decision into a significant financial risk for citizens. The Way Forward: Practical, citizen-friendly reform: If EV adoption and environmental protection are genuine goals, reforms must prioritise citizens. A unified charging and payment system, real-time charger status, strict penalties for misuse, and better maintenance accountability are essential. One simple but transformative step would be to mandate high-speed charging — I request Mr.Nitin Gadkari to introduce a rule making 240+ kW EV charging stations compulsory at all fuel pumps, which can drastically improve adoption and restore confidence among EV users. Conclusion: Reform must build trust, not burden: Environmental progress cannot come at the cost of public trust. Policies must move from coercion to convenience, from intent to execution. A sustainable future will not be built by taxing the old and troubling the new, but by creating systems that are fair, reliable, and truly citizen-friendly.