The Electric Vehicle industry in the state of Gujarat, one of India’s most industrious, progress-driven and enigmatic regions could still do much better. So if this isn’t an allegation and a statement of fact, then what may have contributed to the author of this piece, a fan of EV’s but not irrational exuberance, to say so?

Gujarat, the western engine of India’s growth and development, a powerhouse noted for being a dominant template of India’s development, may actually want to draw a leaf from Maharashtra, after all! Surely, the cheerful land noted for being the home of. the legendary Sardar Patel Ji may want to draw some inspiration from Maharashtra where progressive mindset in the EV industry is considered.

For Starters, What Is It About Maharashtra And Its Latest EV move?

The beating heart of the country’s financial system has birthed a new charter of sorts in the realm of EVs that would do more than just please those concerned with the immediate EV ecosystem. Had Shivaji Maharaj, one of the greatest icons of the country, ever, been around, then the die-hard patriot who defended the country against the Mughal tyranny would twirl his moustache with much pride. How and why? The state of Maharashtra has taken a decisive step to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption by announcing a 100 percent toll tax waiver for electric passenger vehicles on major highways and expressways under its Electric Vehicle Policy 2025. If this isn’t brilliant, then one wonders, what is?

For anyone who understands the complexities of operating in the EV domain, this is great news.

The recent development positions the state as a frontrunner in linking fiscal incentives with sustainable mobility—and offers a compelling model for other industrial states such as Gujarat to emulate.

Under the new policy, EVs are fully exempt from toll charges on key corridors including the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, the Nagpur–Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, and the Mumbai–Navi Mumbai Atal Setu. 

Immediately upon hearing this, one reckons, the average entrepreneur or seasoned business owner in Gujarat begins to think about EV’s.

By directly reducing the cost of long-distance travel, Maharashtra is addressing one of the practical barriers to EV adoption, especially for frequent intercity commuters. This is essential and is a master stroke of sorts in the large scheme of things, which one suspects Gujarat has missed, but should not have.

Right?

Importantly, the toll exemption is being complemented by a comprehensive charging infrastructure plan. Yes, let that sink in!

Charging stations are planned every 25 km along state and national highways, with fast chargers at fuel stations through partnerships with oil marketing companies. All MSRTC bus depots are also set to be equipped with charging facilities. Together, these measures ensure that incentives are not symbolic but supported by real-world usability.

If that isn’t brilliant thinking, then what is?

However, at this time, the narrative flows a touch differently where it comes to EV’s in Gujarat. How so?

For starters, Gujarat, which already enjoys a decent but also growing reputation (if not spectacular) as an automotive manufacturing hub and a leader in renewable energy, a similar approach to Maharashtra could yield significant benefits. 

But how so?

The state has extensive highway connectivity, high industrial freight movement, and growing urban clusters where EV adoption can scale rapidly if operating costs are reduced. Now, that is why and especially to those who may not be aware of the true spirit of Gujarat’s enterprise, the giant state of India may have already missed a trick or two in comparison to Maharashtra’s evident, impact-driven EV toll waiver model.

But that said, why is a toll waiver model impactful

In other words, how does it even help?

A toll waiver for EVs in Gujarat—especially on strategic corridors connecting cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot—could encourage both private buyers and fleet operators to transition faster. But wait; that is just the tip of the iceberg.

Adopting such a policy would align well with Gujarat’s broader goals of sustainability, clean energy leadership, and ease of doing business. 

Lower travel costs for EVs could also stimulate demand for locally manufactured electric vehicles and components, strengthening the state’s EV ecosystem.

Maharashtra’s policy demonstrates that targeted fiscal incentives, when paired with infrastructure readiness, can create sustainable connectivity and drive behavioural change. And this very behaviour is what we, the less informed about EV’s despite giving it everything, need to find out.

As EV adoption becomes a national priority (and make no mistake, it is a priority), Gujarat, a parable of sorts. It stands as a colossus that’s often gone out of its way to set an example for growth and development across India.

This time around, a thing has changed.

Do you know what it is?

This can only be told by a gifted audience that can watch and experience something quite telling. But then always with a a sense of observation, not needless criticism.

And it’s that Maharashtra has done a fair bit for the EV front for our country. It’s evident. Needs little retelling.

That said, it’s also needless to turn a blind eye to something whose time has come. What is it?

So wouldn’t it be about time and necessary for someone like a Gujarat to truly bring itself up to speed where Maharashtra and its EV mainstreaming is concerned?

As the Indian government, both at the central and state levels has implemented various schemes to promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption, Gujarat, one of then most enterprising and vibrant states of the country, one hopes shouldn’t lag behind in EV adoption.