Okinawa Scooters Now Get More Affordable

The Indian Government had reduced the GST on electric vehicles from 12 per cent to 5 per cent from August 1 onwards. Now, Okinawa has passed these GST rate cut benefits to its customers by reducing the ex-showroom prices of its scooters. The prices of the lead-acid battery-powered range have gone down by around Rs 2500 to Rs 4700, whereas the prices for the lithium-ion battery-powered scooter range have reduced by Rs 3400 to 8600. Under the new GST rates, the government has reduced the GST rates for chargers and charging stations for electric vehicles from 18 per cent to 5 per cent.

The Okinawa Praise now starts from Rs 69,790 whereas the i-Praise costs Rs 1.08 lakh. For the Ridge+, the brand has reduced the price by around Rs 5600 to Rs 6000 and the scooter now costs Rs 73,272 with GPS and Rs 67,272 without GPS. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

These measures coupled with the FAME II benefits should translate into even more cost savings when it comes to the on-road prices of the scooters. If you’re wondering whether reducing the GST rate is an adequate measure for encouraging prospective customers to buy EVs, head here for our analysis. Here’s Okinawa’s statement regarding the price reduction:

Press Release:

Okinawa scooters reduce prices of e-scooters, share GST rate cut benefit with customers

• The GST rate cut has brought down the cost of Okinawa Range upto Rs 8,600

New Delhi, August 5th, 2019: Okinawa Scooters, a 100% Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturing company with focus on ‘Make in India’ has announced that the prices of Okinawa range under Lead Acid has now reduced by Rs 2,500 – Rs 4,700 and in Li-ion range the cost has reduced by Rs 3,400 – Rs 8,600, following the government’s move to slash the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate on electric vehicles to 5% from 12% earlier. The drop in prices clubbed with FAME II subsidy has made the on-road price of Made-in-India electric scooters much lower than its current pricing.

The government at 36th GST Council Meeting made a strong push for green modes of transport by slashing the GST rate on the cleaner vehicles from 12% to the lowest slab of 5%. Additionally, the council has also reduced GST rate on charger or charging stations for electric vehicles from 18 per cent to 5 per cent. These measures will be effective from August 1 onwards.

Mr. Jeetender Sharma, Founder & Managing Director, Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Union budget gave a much-needed push to the EV industry and the GST rate cut is even more welcoming. The 7% GST reduction has reduced the upfront cost of buying Okinawa scooter by Rs 2,500 – Rs 8,600. This coupled with FAME-II subsidies will take a significant chunk out of the acquisition price, making our range of scooters strong options for urban commuters.”

“This latest concession for sustainable mobility has reduced the price gap between the EVs and the IC engine vehicles. Rising affordability will foster faster adoption of electric vehicles. The GST rate cut has reduced the ex-showroom prices of electric two-wheelers in India and is expected to increase demand for cleaner vehicles. We are confident that it would encourage more and more people to look at electric vehicles as a viable option”, Mr. Sharma added.

The Centre’s GST rate cut follows a slew of incentives announced in the latest budget to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India. The Union Budget introduced an additional income tax deduction of Rs 1.5 lakh on the interest paid on a loan taken to purchase an electric vehicle. This amounts to a benefit of around 2.5 lakh over the loan period to the taxpayers who take loans to purchase electric vehicle.