TL;DR
Jammu & Kashmir has notified its EV Policy 2026, aiming for 1.4 lakh electric vehicles by 2032, with plans for extensive charging infrastructure and specialized cold-weather validation protocols.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government has officially unveiled its Electric Vehicle Policy 2026, setting an ambitious target to have 1.4 lakh electric vehicles on its roads by 2032. This six-year roadmap, approved by the Council of Ministers, aims to accelerate EV adoption, bolster charging infrastructure, and cultivate a robust EV ecosystem tailored to the region's distinctive terrain and climatic conditions.
Key provisions of the policy include demand incentives, a strategic plan for public charging infrastructure, and specialized requirements for cold-weather performance. The policy proposes the establishment of 900 public charging sites, including 140 fast-charging hubs, strategically located across urban areas and along highway corridors. Furthermore, it mandates that 20% of parking capacity in new buildings must be EV-ready under applicable building bye-laws.
Recognizing the unique challenges posed by Jammu and Kashmir's winter conditions, the policy introduces a Specialized Winter Validation Protocol. This framework will require EVs to undergo rigorous testing to assess their suitability and performance in snow and sub-zero temperatures, ensuring reliability and battery efficiency in harsh environments.
