Govt Proposes 5-Year Extension in Age Limit for EV, Hydrogen and CNG Vehicles
By Salil Kumar
Published August 18, 2026
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed extending the permissible age limit for electric, hydrogen fuel-based and natural gas-powered commercial vehicles by five years. The proposal is part of draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, aimed at simplifying transport regulations and promoting cleaner mobility.
Under the proposed changes, vehicles covered by the national permit system could get an additional five years of permitted operation. The existing age limits of 12 years for regular goods carriages and 15 years for multi-axle vehicles could rise to 17 years and 20 years, respectively, for battery-operated, hydrogen and natural gas-powered vehicles.
Also Read – Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC) Explained: India's Answer to the EV Charging App Problem
The proposed extension is limited to vehicles covered under the relevant provisions of Rule 88 and would not apply to all commercial vehicles. The move could provide greater flexibility to fleet operators and improve the financial viability of cleaner commercial vehicles by allowing them to remain in service for a longer period.
The draft rules also propose making the national permit system fully digital. Applicants could opt for electronic national permit authorisations for up to five years at a time. The proposed fee is Rs 16,500 per year, meaning a five-year authorisation would cost Rs 82,500.
MoRTH has also proposed greater use of the VAHAN database to reduce paperwork and manual data entry during vehicle-related applications and registrations.
The draft notification was published on August 10, with the government inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders for 30 days. The proposed changes will come into effect only after they are finalised and published in the Official Gazette.
Also Read – Supreme Court Extends Third-Party Insurance for New Cars to 4 Years, Two-Wheelers to 6 Years
Image Source: Generated using Gemini
Join the Conversation
Trending
August 2026 Car Sales As Per VAHAN
India sold over 30.7 lakh mass-market passenger cars and 1.34 lakh electric vehicles between January and August 2026. Maruti leads by a wide margin, but Mahindra, Tata and Hyundai are fighting closely for second. Here is how the numbers actually break down.
Anmol Kumar
September 2, 2026
All-New Audi Q3 Bookings Open in India at Rs 1 Lakh
Audi India has opened bookings for the third-generation Q3, with a token of Rs 1 lakh. It gets a 204 hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol, Quattro AWD, and a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Launch is expected during the festive season.
Anmol Kumar
September 1, 2026
Which EVs Are Available With BaaS Scheme?
BaaS is the new buzzword for EVs, here is every one that is availed with it for just few rupees per KM.
Salil Kumar
September 1, 2026
All you Need To Know About BaaS
MGs BaaS may seem like a sureshot way to afford an EV of your dreams but there is lot more to it than just 4 Rs/km lure.
Salil Kumar
September 1, 2026
Maruti Suzuki Says Its Cars Have Been E20 Compatible Since 2008
Maruti Suzuki MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi confirmed at the 45th AGM that all Maruti cars made from 2008 onwards are E20 compatible. That covers 18 years of production and should answer the E20 worries of most current Maruti owners.
Anmol Kumar
September 1, 2026
Featured
Citroen C3 Review: Who Should Consider This Car?
A few days ago, I took the Citroen C3X out for a spin in the city and on the highways. I travelled long distances and checked its fuel efficiency, features, comfort, and other factors. Today, I’ll briefly share my overall experience with the C3X and will tell you whether you should consider it or not and which is the most value-for-money variant of the lot.
Vatsal Agrawal
May 19, 2026
Tesla Finally In India Officially. Why Now And What Does It Mean For EVs?
The much-anticipated 2025 Tesla Model Y has officially arrived in India, marking a pivotal moment for the nation's burgeoning electric vehicle market. Launched on July 15, 2025, the Model Y Juniper facelift offers cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and signature Tesla performance. Positioned as a premium electric SUV, its entry will intensify competition and reshape consumer expectations for EVs across the subcontinent.
Charan Narain
July 17, 2025
Here Are 10 Things The Harrier.EV Offers That The Mahindra XEV 9E Doesn't
The Harrier.EV is an incredible new offer from Tata. Its most popular competitor would be the Mahindra XEV 9E, priced similarly. With these two incredible offerings from home grown brands available, here is a list of everything the Harrier.EV offers that the XEV 9E doesn't.
Charan Narain
June 13, 2025
Write a comment
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!