Selfies for subsidies? Govt wants to put its mark on EV discounts

livemint.com:

cost of electric vehicles, will be issued by the ministry of heavy industries, the nodal ministry for the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme. These certificates will feature the Government of India’s logo, the subsidy amount, and a QR code linking to information about the FAME scheme and the customer's role in reducing the country's carbon emissions, two people with direct knowledge of the plans told Mint on condition of anonymity. “Many customers don’t realize how much of the discount (on their EV purchase) comes directly from the government," one of the persons cited above said.

"The discounted amount will be visible on the invoice as well, as is the current practice, and customers will know exactly how much support the government is offering," he added. Dealers will issue a digital voucher to the buyer, which will act as a certificate acknowledging the government’s contribution to the EV purchase. To add an interactive twist, customers will be encouraged to snap selfies with their vouchers at dedicated photo booths in showrooms.

These selfies, along with the vouchers, will be uploaded to the FAME portal by dealers, creating a digital trail that allows OEMs to validate the sale and claim the subsidy from the government. “The voucher will act as a visible reminder that the government is directly supporting EV buyers," the source added. “There’s also a feeling in the government that OEMs could have gone a bit further to lower ex-showroom transaction prices," the second person said.

The ministry of heavy industries did not respond to Mint's request for a comment on the story till press time. Also Read: EVs fare better in the resale market. Just don't compare them to ICE cousins.