As India plans to go all electric by 2030, car manufacturers in the country have been compelled to draw early plans for electrification. Moreover, reports indicate that the government has been working on introducing a new auto policy which will include a roadmap for electric vehicles. Active efforts from the manufacturers as well as the government is likely to result in electric vehicles being launched in the country sooner than the expected timeline.
To begin with, the country’s largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is setting up its Lithium Ion battery manufacturing facility at a cost of Rs 1,200 crores. OEM suppliers like Denso and Toshiba will be assisting the company in making components for its electric car project. Moreover, engine-maker Cummins India is researching on electric mobility solutions for India, while Hyundai Motors has already started coordinating with its suppliers for electric car components.
As a stern warning to the auto industry, Nitin Gadkari, road transport minister was quoted as saying, "Don't get confused about policy and rules, foray into electric bikes, buses and cars. I won't seek your suggestions over this. You have to diversify." It is also worth noting that although India ranks among one of the fastest-growing car markets in the world, the electric car sales is negligible in comparison to over 3 million petrol and diesel cars sold in the last fiscal year in India.
