Auto lobby opposes star rating plan for electric two-wheelers

Indian automakers are resisting a government plan to introduce energy-efficiency star ratings for electric two-wheelers (e2Ws), according to Mint. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), representing top e2W makers including Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, Ather Energy and TVS Motor, argues the segment is not yet self-sustaining and still depends on subsidies.

A draft SIAM letter to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) warns that imposing ratings now could weaken customer confidence and deter EV adoption. The letter also says the move would penalise innovation in electric motorcycles, which have yet to enter the market. Mint reported that BEE began talks in June to include e2Ws in its star rating regime, initially voluntarily, to improve energy efficiency, current consumption ranges from 2.2kWh to over 5kWh per 100km.

Industry experts like Deepesh Rathore of InsightEV say star ratings work for standardised appliances but not for dynamic vehicles like scooters. The pushback comes as e2W sales hit 1.4 million in 2025-26, up 20% year-on-year. The government recently extended the EV subsidy scheme for e2Ws until 2027-28 and added Rs 1,000 crore to the fund.