Archive · 9 Oct 2026
GST Council Proposes 5% Rate for EV Passenger Services
The GST Council has suggested a lower tax option for some services that use electric vehicles.
It would apply to passenger rides and vehicle rentals when an operator provides the service.
The vehicle’s charging cost can be included in the price.
Businesses choosing this option would face limits on claiming input tax credit.
The proposal does not change the tax on charging sold by itself, which remains 18%.
It also does not cover every service connected to electric vehicles.
The government’s detailed rules will determine how the proposal works.
Until those rules are issued, operators may not know the full effect.
The GST Council recommended an optional 5% GST rate for passenger transport and vehicle rental services using electric vehicles with an operator.
The proposed rate applies when battery-charging costs are included in the service price and is subject to restricted input tax credit.
The recommendation covers EV passenger transport and rentals, not every EV-related service.
Standalone EV charging services continue to attract 18% GST.
The recommendation was part of changes considered at the Council’s 57th meeting; final effects depend on notified rules and ITC restrictions.
- Who
- The GST Council and businesses providing passenger transport or motor-vehicle rentals using electric vehicles with an operator.
- What
- The Council recommended an optional 5% GST rate with restricted input tax credit for qualifying EV passenger transport and rental services, including charging costs in the service price.
- When
- At the Council’s 57th meeting; no date is specified in the article.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To provide greater tax clarity for electric mobility services.
Proposed tax treatment
Limits and unresolved details
Scope of the 5% rate
Proposed tax treatment
The Council recommends an optional 5% rate for EV passenger transport and operator-provided rentals, including charging costs in the price.
Limits and unresolved details
The proposal is limited to those bundled services and does not reduce GST on standalone charging or all EV-related services.
Effect for operators
Proposed tax treatment
The proposal aims to provide greater tax clarity for electric mobility services and may matter to fleet operators and transport businesses.
Limits and unresolved details
The practical impact depends on the extent of input tax credit restrictions and the detailed government provisions still to be notified.
- Proposed GST rate
- 5%, as an option for qualifying services
- Services covered
- Passenger transport and motor-vehicle rentals provided with an operator using an electric vehicle
- Charging costs
- May be included in the consideration for the bundled service
- Input tax credit
- Restricted under the proposed 5% option
- Standalone EV charging
- Continues to attract 18% GST
- Status
- Council recommendation; detailed provisions are to be notified by the government