Amitabh Kant, the G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, underscored the urgent need for India to fully transition its two-wheeler and three-wheeler sectors to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, with the aim of establishing the country as a dominant force in global EV manufacturing, reports ANI. Kant’s statements, made on Saturday, marked a bold call to action for India to pivot away from fossil fuel-dependent combustion engines, which he referred to as “dead,” towards a future powered by electric mobility. Highlighting the significant economic impact of the automotive sector, which contributes 7% to India’s GDP, 35% to its manufacturing GDP, and 8% to its total exports, Kant pointed out India’s position as the third-largest auto market globally.
Government figures from the Vahan portal indicate an upward trend in EV registrations, particularly for two-wheelers, showing a substantial 32% increase to 186,143 vehicles by March 30, 2024, despite a slight decrease in February, as reported by ANI. Kant stressed the importance of India leading the electric transition, noting the critical need for over one million fast chargers to facilitate the widespread adoption of EVs by 2030. He also emphasized the importance of domestic manufacturing for these charging units and called for EV companies and startups to work together on developing an interoperable fast-charging network, crucial for advancing the EV movement in India.
This shift towards electric mobility is viewed not just as a change in technology but as a strategic move to reshape India’s industrial framework, aiming to not only maintain but also expand its influence in the global automotive market.
