Think Twice Before Buying an EV Car from CSD Canteen – A Detailed Look for Defence Personnel
Think Twice Before Buying an EV Car from CSD Canteen – A Detailed Look for Defence Personnel
Blog Article
With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining popularity, many defence personnel are now considering purchasing EVs through the CSD (Canteen Stores Department). The CSD portal does offer attractive prices on EVs, and the tax benefits further sweeten the deal. However, before making that purchase, it’s crucial to evaluate both the advantages and the potential downsides. Let’s dive into the complete picture.
EV Purchase Eligibility and Price Limits via CSD
The new CSD car policy for defence personnel includes specific EV price limits based on rank and pay level:
Pay Levels 3–5: Up to ₹13 lakh, 4 vehicles allowed in a lifetime (1 after 5 years of service).
Pay Levels 6–9: Up to ₹15 lakh, 5 vehicles in a lifetime (one every 8 years).
Pay Levels 10–18: Up to ₹25 lakh, 1 vehicle every 8 years.
This increased limit for EVs (compared to ICE vehicles) makes it attractive for many to consider a shift to electric.
Why Buy an EV from CSD?
There are multiple reasons why buying an EV through CSD looks attractive on paper:
Tax Benefits: Exemption from central excise duty and GST.
Lower Base Prices: The prices are pre-approved and often significantly lower than market rates.
Eligibility Expansion: More personnel across various pay levels now qualify for EV purchases.
Ease of Selection: The online AFD portal lists a wide range of EV variants from top brands.
Practical Challenges & Hidden Drawbacks
Despite the benefits, many personnel have faced several real-world issues after purchasing EVs from CSD.
1. Dealer Processing Charges
While the CSD portal excludes these costs, dealers often demand extra "logistics" or "processing" charges, which are not always justified. Some buyers have successfully negotiated to have these removed, but not everyone is so lucky.
2. Limited Charging Infrastructure
Most cities in India still lack reliable and widespread EV charging networks. Defence personnel living in cantonments or rural postings may find it difficult to charge their EVs conveniently, especially for long-distance travel.
3. Technical Glitches
Several EV owners, especially those with Tata Nexon EVs, have reported issues with public charging stations, software errors, and poor service support. Such technical problems can lead to frustration, especially when using the EV for daily commutes.
4. Time-Consuming Process
The CSD buying process is not as fast as one might hope. From portal registration and availability certificate to vehicle registration and RTO documentation, the process requires time and attention.
5. Corruption or Unethical Demands
There have been reports of personnel being asked to pay bribes or unofficial fees just to get their paperwork approved or signed. This remains a critical issue that can mar the entire experience.
Tips to Make Your EV Purchase Smooth
If you're still set on buying an EV through CSD, follow these guidelines:
Check Eligibility & Price Cap: Make sure your rank/pay level qualifies you for the EV you want.
Compare Variants: Use the AFD portal to compare models and pricing.
Contact Multiple Dealers: Check which dealer offers the best support and lowest add-on costs.
Plan for Charging Setup: Ensure you can install a charging station at your home or access one nearby.
Negotiate Smartly: Be clear about avoiding hidden charges and only pay what's required.
Document Everything: Maintain a file of all bills, forms, and approvals for future reference.
Pre-Delivery Inspection: Always inspect the vehicle thoroughly before taking delivery.
Conclusion
While the CSD offers great pricing on EVs for defence personnel, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Weigh the pros and cons carefully. If you have access to reliable charging and don’t mind the long paperwork process, an EV could be a smart long-term investment. But if you’re unsure about infrastructure or need quick delivery and support, you may want to think twice.
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