Why Should State Incentives for EVs Focus on BMW’s Latest Models?

BMW Emphasizes Incentives for EV Growth and Introduces New Models in India

German luxury carmaker BMW stressed the importance of incentives to support the growth of the electric vehicle (EV) segment on Wednesday.

The company launched the all-electric MINI Countryman and electric scooter CE04 in India, highlighting the evolving market and the need for continued efforts to facilitate this transition.

During a press conference, Jean-Philippe Parain, BMW Group Senior Vice President for the Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, stated, “The strongest incentives from the state should be for EVs.”

Parain explained that incentives help make electric models more affordable, encouraging the transition to electric vehicles. In some countries where longer distances are common, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) serve as a transitional solution. However, for India, Parain emphasized a complete shift to fully electric vehicles.

Currently, hybrid vehicles in India face a total tax incidence of 43%, including GST, while battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are taxed at around 5%.

Parain noted the potential for EVs in India and expressed BMW’s intention to introduce more products into the market. Besides BEVs, BMW is also investing in internal combustion engine models, plug-in hybrids, and exploring hydrogen vehicles. The company aims to remain flexible with its technological advancements.

Globally, BMW ranks among the top EV sellers, alongside Tesla and BYD. Parain mentioned that although BMW’s sales were affected in China, India remains an exception with promising growth potential that needs to be sustained.

BMW Group India President and CEO Vikram Pawah stated that EVs are well-suited for India. He noted that the penetration of electric vehicles in the country is encouraging, and as products become available at various price points, the segment will grow rapidly. Pawah also highlighted BMW’s investments in establishing charging infrastructure to support this growth.

On Wednesday, BMW introduced the all-new 5 Series Long Wheelbase in India, starting at Rs 72.9 lakh. Additionally, the company launched the new Mini Cooper S and the all-electric MINI Countryman, priced at Rs 44.9 lakh and Rs 54.9 lakh, respectively. BMW Motorrad also unveiled the premium electric scooter CE 04, priced at Rs 14.9 lakh.