Gadkari’s proposed Maharashtra EV charging rates could bring the theoretical electricity cost of a 1,000 km electric car journey down to just ₹600. Nitin Gadkari Proposes an EV Charging Tariff
Electric vehicle charging could become considerably cheaper in Maharashtra if a new proposal from Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari gains approval. At the KPMG ENRich 2026 event, Gadkari said he had suggested separate electricity rates for daytime and nighttime charging to the state’s Chief Minister.
Nitin Gadkari proposes an EV Charging Tariff of ₹3 per unit at night and ₹5 during the day, potentially reducing the cost of owning an electric car. The minister illustrated how a vehicle delivering five kilometres per kilowatt-hour could theoretically travel 1,000 kilometres for ₹600, highlighting affordable electricity as a driver of adoption.
What Is Gadkari’s EV Charging Proposal?
Nitin Gadkari proposes an EV Charging Tariff with nighttime electricity priced at ₹3/kWh and daytime electricity at ₹5/kWh in Maharashtra. These are suggested rates, not approved tariffs. No implementation date has been announced.
Key Highlights: Cheaper EV Charging at Night
- Night tariff: ₹3 per electricity unit.
- Day tariff: ₹5 per unit, potentially supported by solar generation.
- Objective: Encourage off-peak charging and improve affordability.
- Status: Recommendation to Maharashtra’s Chief Minister; eligibility and rollout remain undecided.
EV vs Petrol vs Diesel: 1,000 km Cost Comparison
At 5 km/kWh, an EV consumes 200 kWh over 1,000 km. Using the proposed nighttime tariff, electricity costs ₹600. With 15 km/liter fuel efficiency, petrol and diesel cars each require approximately 66.67 liters.
| Vehicle | Assumed rate | Journey cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electric vehicle | ₹3/kWh | ₹600 |
| Petrol car | ₹111.21/liter | ₹7,414 |
| Diesel car | ₹97.83/liter | ₹6,522 |
The illustrative saving is ₹6,814 versus petrol and ₹5,922 versus diesel. Actual EV bills may be higher because charging losses, service fees, and taxes are excluded; fuel prices and efficiency vary.
Why Nitin Gadkari Proposes EV Charging Tariff Changes
Lower overnight rates could encourage drivers to plug in during off-peak hours, spreading demand across the electricity grid. Gadkari also suggested using solar power during daytime hours.
At the conference, roughly 20–25% of attendees indicated EV ownership; he predicted 35–40% adoption among that audience next year.
Battery Prices, Electric Buses and Hydrogen Trucks
Gadkari cited lithium-ion battery costs falling from about $150 to $50 per kWh while noting supply constraints.
He said India produces approximately 6,000 electric buses annually and may need 10,000 over two years. He also discussed three developing Tata hydrogen trucks and ten proposed hydrogen routes and associated refueling stations.
Ethanol, Biogas and Waste-to-Fuel Initiatives
The minister described plans for a 100% bioethanol Toyota Innova and flex-fuel vehicles from major manufacturers.
He cited ethanol made from corn, sugarcane and bamboo, alongside isobutanol and sustainable aviation fuel trials.
Under GOBARdhan, he said 3,000 compressed biogas plants were registered, and 280 had started.
He also discussed bio-bitumen from farm residue, municipal waste reuse in highways, and Nagpur’s revenue from selling treated sewage water.
What Happens Next?
Nitin Gadkari proposes EV Charging Tariff reductions, but Maharashtra must decide whether to adopt them. Until an official order appears, EV owners should continue checking their applicable electricity and public charging rates.
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