People keep asking the same thing.
“Are EVs really toll free in India?”
“Do I still pay at toll booths if I buy an electric car?”
“Is there some shortcut that saves me money on long drives?”
Let’s cut through the noise.
You want straight answers, not marketing hype.
So here’s the reality of tolls and EV cars in India as of September 2025.
Why This Question Even Matters
When someone is thinking of buying an EV, it’s not just about charging cost or battery range.
Toll fees on highways add up, especially if you drive long distances every week.
A Mumbai–Pune trip? That’s ₹250+ one way.
Do it every weekend and you’re dropping ₹2,000+ a month just on tolls.
So naturally, the question: If I switch to an EV, do I save on tolls?
Here’s the answer: sometimes yes, mostly no.
National Policy: Are EV Cars Toll Free in India Everywhere?
No.
There is no nationwide rule making EVs toll free.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) still collects tolls from EVs like they do from petrol or diesel cars.
There were talks of giving EVs a 50% discount.
But as of September 2025, nothing is implemented across India.
So if you’re on a national highway—say Delhi to Jaipur, Bengaluru to Chennai, or Lucknow to Kanpur—your EV still pays toll like any other car.
The State That Changed the Game: Maharashtra
If you live in Maharashtra, the story is different.
The state passed a very aggressive EV toll exemption policy.
And it’s already active.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Full toll waiver on:
- Mumbai–Pune Expressway
- Samruddhi Mahamarg (Mumbai–Nagpur)
- Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link)
- 50% concession on:
- Other state and national highways under Public Works Department
- Policy duration: April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2030
- Applies to: All electric four-wheelers and buses (private + government owned)
Real Example:
Rohit, a Pune-based EV owner, shared his experience in July 2025.
He drove from Pune to Mumbai via the Expressway in his Tata Nexon EV.
At the Khalapur toll booth, his FASTag didn’t deduct anything.
Straight pass-through.
That’s ₹250 saved one way, ₹500 round trip.
Multiply that by 4 weekends a month and he’s saving ₹2,000 monthly.
That’s ₹24,000 a year—just from toll waivers.
That’s real money.
Other States: Are EV Cars Toll Free in Delhi, UP, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Telangana?
No.
As of September 2025, none of these states have introduced toll-free access for EVs.
They focus on road tax waivers, registration fee waivers, and charging infrastructure incentives.
But tolls? Still apply.
Here’s a simple table:
| State/Region | Toll Exemption for EVs | What You Actually Get |
|---|---|---|
| National Highways | No | Proposals for 50% discount, not active |
| Maharashtra | Yes (major expressways) | 100% waiver on Mumbai–Pune, Samruddhi, Atal Setu; 50% on others |
| Delhi | No | Road tax waiver, registration fee exemption |
| Uttar Pradesh | No | EV subsidy, charging infra push |
| Tamil Nadu | No | Tax waiver, manufacturing hub incentives |
| Gujarat | No | Purchase subsidy, registration exemption |
| Karnataka | No | EV policy incentives, not toll related |
| Telangana | No | Tax waiver, EV infra development |
| Haryana/Rajasthan | No | Road tax exemption, charging station focus |
Who Qualifies for Toll Exemption?
- Only fully electric vehicles.
- Not hybrids.
- Not plug-in hybrids.
- EV must be registered as electric with the RTO.
- FASTag still required.
- In Maharashtra, once your FASTag is linked to your EV registration, toll booths automatically skip deduction.
Problems People Faced in the Beginning
- Some EV owners in April 2025 reported tolls still being deducted.
- This was due to FASTag not being updated with EV classification.
- By August 2025, the system was streamlined in Maharashtra.
- Now most EVs registered in the state are passing without charges at exempted routes.
Why Only Maharashtra?
Because Maharashtra wants to hit aggressive EV adoption numbers by 2030.
Toll waiver is a strong incentive.
It reduces operating cost per kilometer.
And it makes long drives more attractive for EV owners.
Other states may follow later.
But as of September 2025, no other state offers the same scale of toll exemption.
Will National Highways Become Toll Free for EVs?
Unlikely in the short term.
NHAI’s revenue from tolls is critical for highway expansion and maintenance.
So a blanket exemption is a tough sell.
At best, we might see a concession (25–50%) in future if central government pushes harder on EV adoption.
But don’t expect complete toll-free rides nationwide anytime soon.
Also READ : Petrol vs CNG vs Electric Car: Which One is Best in 2025?
Cost Savings Breakdown: Maharashtra vs Other States
Let’s run numbers.
- Mumbai–Pune Expressway toll = ~₹250 (one way)
- Weekly round trip = ₹500
- Monthly = ~₹2,000
- Annual = ~₹24,000
If you’re an EV owner in Maharashtra and you use this route often, the toll waiver is equal to one-third of your yearly charging bill.
Meanwhile, in Delhi–Jaipur or Bengaluru–Mysuru trips, EV owners still pay full toll.
What EV Buyers Should Consider Before Assuming Toll Benefits
- Check state EV policy documents.
- Confirm at toll booths—don’t assume exemption everywhere.
- Update your FASTag with RTO records.
- Remember: Exemptions are state-specific, not national.
FAQs: Are EV Cars Toll Free in India?
1. Are EVs toll free on all highways in India?
No. Only certain highways in Maharashtra offer toll exemption.
2. Do EVs get toll discount on NHAI expressways?
Not yet. Proposals exist but not implemented.
3. Is Atal Setu toll free for EVs?
Yes, 100% exemption in Maharashtra policy (2025–2030).
4. Do I need FASTag even if EVs are toll free?
Yes. FASTag is still required for tracking and classification.
5. Are hybrids toll free in India?
No. Only fully electric vehicles qualify.
6. Which states plan toll waivers for EVs next?
No official notifications yet. As of September 2025, Maharashtra is the only one.
7. Will toll-free policies reduce EV running cost significantly?
Yes, if you travel highways frequently. Savings can cross ₹20,000–₹30,000 annually.
Final Takeaway
- EVs are not toll free across India.
- Maharashtra is the only state offering a full waiver on major expressways and 50% on others until 2030.
- Everywhere else, EVs still pay tolls.
- Expect discounts, not waivers, on NHAI roads in the future.
- Always check your state’s latest notifications before planning highway travel.
If you’re buying an EV for long-distance savings, Maharashtra gives you a clear advantage.
If you’re outside Maharashtra, don’t count on toll exemptions—factor toll costs into your EV ownership math.