MoRTH Proposes 5-Year Age Extension for Battery, Hydrogen and Natural Gas Vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed changes to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, that would give certain cleaner commercial vehicles more time under the national permit system, as per news reports. The proposal covers battery, hydrogen, and natural gas vehicles. 

Cleaner Vehicles Could Get Longer Permit Life 

Under the proposed change to Rule 88, the existing 12-year and 15-year age limits would increase to 17 and 20 years, respectively, for eligible vehicles. 

The proposal comes as electric commercial vehicle adoption remains limited. NITI Aayog's 2025 EV report said 6,220 electric trucks were sold in 2024, including just 280 above 3.5 tonnes. It identified high upfront costs and limited financing as key barriers. 

National Permit Process May Become Simpler 

MoRTH has also proposed allowing national permit authorisations for up to five years instead of renewing them every year. The annual fee would remain ₹16,500, making the cost of a 5-year authorisation ₹82,500. 

Applications and authorisations under Forms 46 and 47 would move online. The draft also proposes greater use of the VAHAN database, allowing information in Forms 16, 46 and 48 to be filled automatically where the details are already available. 

Draft Adds Changes to Registration 

A chassis without a body would receive temporary registration for six months. The validity could be extended by 30 days at a time in specified cases. 

For fully built vehicles being converted into adapted vehicles, or registered in another state, temporary registration would be valid for 45 days. 

Form 20 would include an Aadhaar-linked mobile number and loan or agreement details where applicable. Form 48 would include registration, insurance, PUC, fitness and pending challan details, along with previous national permit information. 

Component Makers Included in Proposal 

MoRTH has also proposed bringing eligible automotive component manufacturers involved in research and development under the trade certificate framework. 

The ministry has invited objections and suggestions for 30 days after the notification is made public. 

Read More: Maruti Suzuki Share Price in Focus; Fronx Crosses 2 Lakh Exports Mark! 

Conclusion 

The draft proposes longer age limits for eligible cleaner commercial vehicles alongside changes to national permits, temporary registration, online applications and vehicle information requirements. 

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