New Delhi, Nov. 13 -- The Centre has made electric vehicles (EVs) the preferred option for official cars used by central government ministries and departments, while allowing a higher purchase price limit for electric models than for petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles. The move is expected to accelerate the adoption of electric cars across government fleets and reduce dependence on conventional fuel-powered vehicles.

In an office memorandum dated 10 November 2026, the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance revised the rules governing the procurement and hiring of staff cars by central government ministries and departments. It has fixed the net dealer price (NDP) ceiling at Rs.20 lakh for electric vehicles and Rs.10 lakh ...