The five per cent import levy on electric cars has now been increased to 50 pc.

Sampath said the prices of most vehicles would go up as a result of the increased taxes.

The price of an electric car will go up by Rs. 2.5 million, a hybrid car by Rs. 400,000, a minicab by Rs. 01 million, a Maruti by Rs. 200,000 and a three wheeler by Rs. 100,000, he said.

In addition to import taxes, the new budget has increased the rates of various other related charges.

The president of vehicle importers said these proposals would be raised with the finance minister in order to secure a reduction.

The budget has reduced the production tax on environmentally-friendly vehicles.