How India accelerates towards becoming next powerhouse in EV production?

Some media reports stated that the electric vehicles market in India is expected to reach 17 million units by 2030, but the EVs sale was able to cross only the one-million mark last year. 

Hence, the Indian government has announced several initiatives like Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India), the PLI scheme for the Auto and the Auto Component, and the PLI scheme for manufacturing of ACC to drive local production and achieve its goal by the mentioned time period. 

Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconn has recently announced its plan to set up a production line for two-wheeler EVs in India. 

Several brands including TATA Motors, Mahindra, Hyundai, Ola Electric, Ather Energy, Okinawa, TVS, MG, Hero Electric, and others have come up with the electric vehicle segment in the country. 

Gaurav Rathore, co-founder, Eveez said that global and local auto manufacturers have started investing heavily in the production of electric vehicles in India. 

“While phase II of FAME has earmarked ₹10k crore as incentives to customers, PLI has reserved around ₹26k crore for encouraging the automotive industry to start sourcing and producing vehicles locally in the country including EVs. All these efforts have come together and are now helping India to emerge as the primary hub for EV production around the globe,” Rathore told Livemint. 

Amit Raj Singh Founder and Managing Director, Gemopai believes that the encouraging policy framework offered to spur the local production of EVs is proving instrumental in attracting investments from all over the world.

“With such encompassing efforts in place, growth engines of EV production in India are humming and likely to achieve new milestones of success in the coming years.”

“The Indian government is committed to achieving 30% electrification of total mobility by 2030 and with the growing interest of the end users across the EV segments, both domestic and foreign manufacturers are setting up their production plants in India,” Singh added. 

India’s journey towards becoming an EV powerhouse is underpinned by several key factors that highlight its undeniable potential, said Tushaar Bajaj, co-founder and director of Virtus Motors.

The country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change has been a driving force behind the rapid adoption of EVs, hence, it has created a conducive environment for the growth of the EV sector by offering various policies, Bajaj said. 

In addition, the country’s focus on developing charging infrastructure and promoting renewable energy sources aligns with the requirements of a thriving EV ecosystem.

“The government has initiated projects to establish a network of charging stations across the country, making EVs more accessible and convenient for consumers. And, India’s push for renewable energy generation, such as solar and wind power, ensures a sustainable and clean source of electricity for EV charging,” the Virtus Motors co-founder said. 

He further asserted that India’s concerted efforts in promoting EVs, coupled with its manufacturing prowess, expanding market, and emphasis on charging infrastructure and renewable energy, position it as the next hub of EV production.

Updated: 29 Jun 2023, 12:04 PM IST