Indian automakers must accelerate the transition to EVs: Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey
Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Heavy Industries Minister has stated that Indian Auto must go Global and look for a major share of the global electric auto market. It will lead them to achieve size and scale.
Addressing the Round Table Conference organized by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) at Goa to promote electric mobility, Dr. Pandey called upon the Indian industry to benefit from great upcoming opportunities in sunrise areas " They can achieve global scale and internationally acceptable quality products", he said.
The Minister further stated that the growth of the auto industry will certainly help us to achieve India's commitment for "Panchamrita" given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in COP 26 and give huge employment opportunities to Indian youth. The Minister also mentioned that there is a disruptive change happening in the global automotive scenario with a big boost to 'Electric Vehicles' as the future of technology. He added that innovations and technological breakthroughs in EV components are catalyzing this disruption. Therefore, it is essential to accelerate the manufacturing and adoption of Electric Vehicles in India.
He said, 'We also need to make India manufacturing hub of EV'. He also mentioned that India's transition to Electric Mobility System can save Rs 20 lakh crore by 2030 on avoided oil imports alone.
India's automotive sector has great potential and is doing well. They have all the capabilities to serve the global demands. They must now walk fast and think big. Manufacture for the world and look beyond catering to the Indian market, the minister added.
Referring to the (FAME India II) scheme, He stated that the Ministry of Heavy Industries is supporting the ecosystem through our national flagship schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India II) scheme, National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Automobile and Auto Components.
He informed that these three major schemes are sanctioned by the government with a total outlay of Rs 54,038 crore. FAME-II scheme incentivizes demand for EVs by providing upfront subsidies and creating EV charging infrastructure. The scheme envisages supporting demand of 10 Lakh e-2W, 5 lakh e-3W, 55,000 e-cars, and 7,090 e-buses.
Talking about the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, Dr. Pandey said that it will incentivize the manufacturing of high technology automobile and auto components in India. The program will lead to a fresh investment of over Rs. 42,500 crore and will create additional employment opportunities of over 7.5 lakh jobs. The scheme has received a good response and the govt. is considering to increase it from 50 in due time, he added.
Dr. Pandey further stated that the growth of shared, connected, and electric mobility presents a huge opportunity for India in terms of sustainability, job creation, and giving impetus to manufacturing through 'Make In India'
He expressed hope that this round table will facilitate all of us to work out strategies to promote the adoption of Electric Vehicles in India and attract investment in the manufacturing of EVs, batteries, and high technology automotive components in India. He emphasized that a transformed E-mobility ecosystem will require participation and collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
Goa State Electric Vehicle Policy 2021 was launched by Dr. Pandey and Goa Chief Minister Mr. Pramod Sawant at the Round Table Conference. It provides for Fiscal and Non-fiscal incentives for Electic Vehicles, electrification of ferries & focuses on R&D and Skill Development. 10 electric buses sanctioned under FAME II were also flagged off by Dr. Pandey and Goa CM.
Ministers of Transport and Chief Secretaries/Senior Officers from States, Industry Leaders from Automotive Sector, Start-Ups and Technical Experts are participating in the conference. Mr. Krishan Pal, Gurjar, Minister of State of Heavy Industries, Mr. Arun Goel, Secretary, Heavy Industries participated in the conference. Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog delivered the keynote address on the occasion.
