Okinawa electric scooter prices reduced after revised GST on EVs

- Okinawa scooters powered by Lead Acid are now cheaper by Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,700

- Li-ion-powered models get a price cut ranging from Rs 3,400 to Rs 8,600

- Li-ion scooters have also received FAME II approval

Okinawa Scooters has reduced the prices of its electric two-wheelers following the government’s move to cut down the Goods and Services tax (GST)  imposed on EVs. In a recent move to push the adaption of electric vehicles, the government has announced that EVs will attract 5 per cent GST, as opposed to the previous 12 per cent. Owing to this, prices of Okinawa scooters have seen a drop ranging from Rs 2,500 to Rs 8,600. 

Okinawa’s portfolio consists of scooters powered by Lead Acid battery which include the Ridge and Praise. These scooters have become cheaper by around Rs 2,500 to Rs 4,700. Meanwhile, the Li-ion-powered models including I-Praise and Ridge+ are now more affordable by Rs 3,400 to Rs 8,600. Notably, Okinawa had also announced in May that the I-Praise and Ridge+ have received FAME II approval which made them eligible to receive a subsidy of Rs 17,000 and Rs 26,000. 

With an aim to reduce the price gap between electric vehicles and conventional two-wheelers, the government is passing several benefits to the EV manufacturers. Besides reducing the GST on EVs, the tax on electric chargers and charging stations have also slipped down to 5 per cent from as much as 18 per cent. All these moves should help in faster build-up of a strong electric vehicle eco-system.