Supreme Court suggests restricting luxury fuel cars to accelerate India’s EV transition
The Supreme Court has suggested that India consider phasing out high-end petrol and diesel cars as an initial step toward strengthening the country’s electric vehicle (EV) transition. The proposal came while a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard a public interest petition seeking more effective implementation of existing EV promotion policies.
During the hearing, Justice Kant noted that premium internal-combustion vehicles are used by a relatively small segment of the population, and restricting them could help accelerate the shift without burdening the average consumer. He also pointed out that several larger, more advanced EV models are now available, offering performance and comfort comparable to conventional luxury cars.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani, representing the Union government, indicated that the Centre is open to the idea. He informed the bench that 13 ministries are working jointly on EV-related matters and reiterated that the government has been moving forward with various initiatives in this sector.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the petitioner – the Centre for Public Interest Litigation – highlighted that although incentives helped reduce the cost barrier for EV buyers, the growth of charging infrastructure remains a major concern.
The bench remarked that charging networks typically expand in response to rising EV adoption and suggested that fuel stations could also incorporate charging facilities. The judges added that the current policy framework may merit a review to match evolving market needs.
The Attorney General committed to submitting a detailed report on the notifications and measures issued so far. The court scheduled the next hearing for four weeks later.
