A highly anticipated one-day conference, titled “Policy Support & Enablers to Accelerate India’s Electric Mobility,” took place on 19th July, organized by NITI Aayog and supported by WRI India and the Asian Development Bank. The event coincided with the fourth Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting during India’s G20 Presidency. The conference served as a pivotal platform, convening national and international stakeholders, engaging in substantive discussions, and exploring viable financing, regulatory, and policy avenues to fast-track India’s decarbonization efforts and promote the growth of electric mobility in the country. Eminent dignitaries, including NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, and India’s G20 Sherpa Shri. Amitabh Kant, graced the occasion with their esteemed presence.
Central themes of the conference included “Develop Vibrant EV Ecosystem in States” and “the National Electric Bus Programme.” In-depth discussions and high-level dialogues encompassed Electric Vehicle Finance Innovations and the Future Electric Mobility Landscape, providing invaluable insights for stakeholders in navigating the ever-evolving electric mobility ecosystem.
A significant announcement came from Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, during the event, showcasing Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation. Starting from 2024, all new tourist vehicles in the state will be mandated to be electric, marking a significant leap in Goa’s journey towards sustainable mobility. Furthermore, permit holders overseeing multiple vehicles, including rental cars and bikes in Goa, have pledged to electrify 30% of their fleet through retrofitting by June 2024, further bolstering the state’s electrification endeavors.
During his inaugural address, Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, highlighted the transformative potential of the Indian EV industry and its positive impact on the economy and the environment. He emphasized electric mobility’s role in accelerating India’s economic growth along low-carbon pathways and in achieving the nation’s net-zero vision for 2070.
In a special address, India’s G20 Sherpa, Shri Amitabh Kant, emphasized the need to sustain the momentum of electric mobility in India. He underscored the Prime Minister’s seven Cs framework for EVs – Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge. Kant urged for the electrification of 100% of 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, and 65-70% of buses by 2030. To achieve this vision, he stressed the importance of a low-cost financing framework, robust charging infrastructure, and collaborative efforts among central, state, and city authorities, all supported by a consistent policy framework.
