Following encouraging response from prospective buyers, NITI Aayog, GOI’s think tank,  has circulated instructions to guide state governments and local bodies to frame policies and norms for setting up charging networks for electric vehicles. India being the world’s fifth car market is also mulling sharp import tax cuts on EVs The objective is to enhance charging infrastructure and facilitate a rapid transition to electric mobility in the country. The Handbook for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Implementation has been jointly developed by NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and World Resources Institute India. The Handbook provides a systematic and holistic approach for adoptions by implementing authorities and other stakeholders involved in planning, authorisation and execution of electric vehicles charging infrastructure. NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman, Dr. Rajiv Kumar said, the transition to electric mobility is a global strategy in the fight against climate change. The handbook addresses the common challenges being faced by different local authorities in implementing electric vehicle charging networks. NITI Aayog’s  CEO Amitabh Kant said, the electric vehicle’s ecosystem in India is evolving rapidly and there are several players entering the charging infrastructure market. He said this handbook provides holistic governance for public and private stakeholders to work together in establishing robust and accessible electric vehicle charging networks. India, reports Reuters,  is considering reducing import duties on electric cars up to 40%. For imported electric vehicles (EVs) with a value of less than $40,000 – including the car’s cost, insurance and freight – the government is discussing slashing the tax rate to 40% from 60% presently. German  Volkswagen AG, the world’s second-largest carmaker, has pleaded with the GOI  for lower import duties on electric cars in India to help drive demand for clean vehicles, echoing Tesla’s recent pitch which has divided the country’s auto industry. Reduction of duties on electric vehicles (EVs) even to 25% – from current levels as high as 100% – would not pose a “big threat” to domestic players but would help to drive investment as per reports wired by Reuters. Volkswagen aims to overtake Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker by 2025. Edited by PKC.