The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has launched an Electric Vehicle (EV) taskforce as part of India’s vision for a developed nation, Viksit Bharat. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) will lead the taskforce, focusing on the adoption of electric trucks and the development of supporting infrastructure in India. This initiative is in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and other relevant agencies.
The taskforce, spearheaded by the ICCT and MHI, will engage with various stakeholders through workshops and meetings. These engagements aim to gather insights and recommendations on the adoption of electric trucks and the necessary infrastructure. The transport sector is the fastest-growing contributor to climate change in India, with medium and heavy-duty trucks making up a small fraction of the total vehicle population but contributing a significant portion of vehicular road transport emissions. The transition to EVs is crucial for India to meet its Paris Agreement objectives and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
In tandem with the taskforce, MHI has introduced the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024). Approved by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, EMPS 2024 aims to accelerate EV adoption in India. With a fund allocation of Rs. 500 crore for four months (April 1, 2024, to July 31, 2024), the scheme focuses on promoting electric two-wheelers (e-2W) and three-wheelers (e-3W).
The scheme targets e-2Ws and e-3Ws, including registered e-rickshaws and e-carts. Both commercially registered and privately owned e-2Ws will be eligible. The scheme’s components include:
Subsidies/Demand Incentives: Rs. 493.55 crore allocated for incentives on e-2Ws and e-3Ws.
Administration: Rs. 6.45 crore for Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities and Project Management Agency fees.
EMPS 2024 aims to support 3,72,215 EVs, including 3,33,387 e-2Ws and 38,828 e-3Ws (comprising 13,590 e-rickshaws/e-carts and 25,238 L5 category e-3Ws). Only vehicles with advanced batteries will be eligible for incentives.
The scheme promotes the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat by fostering a competitive and resilient EV manufacturing industry in India. The Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP) encourages domestic manufacturing and strengthens the EV supply chain, creating significant employment opportunities.
The initiatives by MHI mark a significant step towards sustainable transportation and the development of the EV ecosystem in India.
