Delegates from seven Asian nations convened in New Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on January 30th and 31st for an international expedition aimed at spotlighting India’s burgeoning strides in the electric vehicle (EV) sector, underscoring its steadfast commitment to sustainable mobility.
Representatives and dignitaries from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam participated in a knowledge-sharing endeavor facilitated by India’s advancements in EV manufacturing and battery innovation. The initiative, part of an integrated training venture spearheaded by the Asia LEDS Partnership (ALP), a network fostering low-emission, climate-resilient growth in Asia, with ICLEI South Asia as the ALP secretariat, garnered support from NITI Aayog.
During the tour, Sudhendu J. Sinha, Adviser (Infrastructure Connectivity & Electric Mobility) at NITI Aayog, emphasized three pivotal strategies for scaling EV implementation: launching impactful awareness campaigns, bolstering technological advancements, and fostering sustainable business models along the EV ecosystem value chain.
The expedition primarily focused on comprehending electric vehicle manufacturing nuances, particularly delving into battery technology, manufacturing processes, and recycling practices. Participants gleaned insights from industry frontrunners, fostering collaborative learning and understanding the pivotal roles played by manufacturers in the EV industry.
Post-tour reflections from attendees were overwhelmingly positive, with Prillya Agusti from Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation acknowledging the practical and actionable insights shared during discussions, crucial for steering the electrification journey towards sustainability and resilience across their respective countries.
The itinerary included visits to cutting-edge facilities like LOHUM in Greater Noida, renowned for battery recycling excellence, and Omega Seiki Mobility in Faridabad, a trailblazer in EV manufacturing. Emani Kumar, Executive Director of ICLEI South Asia, highlighted the importance of ensuring circularity in the battery system through recycling and repurposing, crucial for managing EV battery hazards and optimizing efficiency.
The collaborative platform served as a conduit for exchanging best practices and knowledge among nations, fostering dialogue on crucial topics such as battery innovation and recycling. Abu Naser from Bangladesh’s Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges expressed their commitment to leveraging insights garnered to fortify Bangladesh’s EV sector, aligning with national goals to increase EV uptake and reduce carbon emissions.
Organized as part of the third phase of the Global Climate Action Partnership (GCAP), ALP EV Battery Training Series, the tour emphasized practical learning from India’s EV manufacturing and battery recycling prowess. Ms. Minta Poowatanavong from Thailand’s Ministry of Energy emphasized the urgency of transitioning from dialogue to implementation on battery recycling, leveraging insights from India’s advancements.
The participants, constituting the Leadership Group for Clean Transport in Asia (LG-CTA), under the auspices of GCAP Asia and ALP, are committed to advancing clean and sustainable transportation in the region through policy and technical collaborations.
India’s EV industry, as of 2024, has made significant strides in manufacturing and global market penetration, particularly evident in the electric two-wheeler market’s resilience and expanding reach beyond urban centers. This diversification reflects India’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, underscored by strategic investments and supportive regulatory frameworks such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules.
The ALP Secretariat plays a pivotal role in tailoring capacity-building programs and providing technical assistance to address the unique progression needs of Asian countries in EV sectors such as battery recycling, repurposing, and manufacturing, thereby facilitating multilateral support and fostering sustainable mobility initiatives.
