The electric vehicle (EVs) sector in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with concerted efforts being made by the public and private sectors to drive the nation towards a greener, more sustainable future.

In alignment with this objective, the Asia LEDS Partnership (ALP) organised a webinar on December 11, 2023, on the role of the government and the private sector in promoting electric mobility in the country. The event, held with support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the SLOCAT Partnership, aimed to gain insights from the Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) sector for electric mobility.

Representing the ALP, Ms. Avantika Arjuna discussed the global concern over emissions from the transport sector and India’s efforts to promote electric mobility. She highlighted the policies, incentives, and supportive frameworks from across the globe that have been established over the last 20 years, encouraging the adoption of EVs to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Mr. Rajesh Gupta, Director, NITI Aayog, shed light on the multifaceted challenges in decarbonising the transport sector, the government’s ambitious plans for achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070, and proactive measures like production-lined incentive schemes and the development of EV charging infrastructure.

Dr. Deb Mukherji, Sr. Advisor and Director, Omega Seiki Group of Companies, discussed several key points such as the major drivers for decarbonisation of the automotive industry, government incentives and private sector participation, in addition to the significance of technology maturity, particularly in non-fossil fuel batteries such as of lithium-ion and sodium metal and hydrogen.

Mr. Venugopal Rao Nellutla, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Olectra Greentech Limited, spoke about the challenges of finding suitable product manufacturers of electronic parts. He underscored the importance of local partnerships and dedicated efforts toward product development, while acknowledging challenges such as funding and portfolio development, and stressing the need for collaborative endeavours to add value to their offerings.

The role of OEMs in boosting consumer awareness about EVs was a key focus of the discussion. Dr. Deb Mukherji emphasised the need for a shift in user mindset and the importance of educating stakeholders, while Mr. Venugopal stressed the significance of technological training and governmental interventions to promote knowledge dissemination.

The lack of established resale value for heavy-duty EVs has emerged as a challenge. Both Mr. Venugopal and Dr. Mukherjee were of the view that technological advancements and a shift in mindset would eventually impact the resale value positively as EVs become more affordable and technologically robust. The discussion extended to the criticality of diversifying raw material supply chains and repurposing end-of-life batteries. Dr. Mukherjee said that industry players should establish robust ecosystems, while Mr. Venugopal underscored the importance of strategic planning and promotion of green energy for a seamless transition towards green mobility.

The webinar drew attention to the collaborative efforts required from both the private sector and the government to drive widespread adoption of EVs, and the need for continued education, technological innovation, and a cohesive approach towards creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for electric mobility in India. Such dialogues and collaborations will play a pivotal role in shaping a greener future for generations to come.