Automobile Industry Requires More EVs To Enhance Adoption: PMO Advisor Tarun Kapoor

More EVs in Automobile Industry: automotive industry needs to do more in terms of driving in new electric cars to enhance customer response enabling higher option of such models, visor to Prime Minister at PMO Tarun Kapoor said on Tuesday.

Speaking at FICCI National Conference on Electric Vehicles here, he noted that government on its part will look at all aspects, including taxation issues so that industry remains viable.

"In four-wheelers, what I think is that industry itself has to play a much, much larger role than government because we need more products. We need better products, and we need more publicity," Kapoor said.

He noted that government is working towards enhancing charging infrastructure with even PM-E Drive scheme laying a lot of emphasis on it.

"But on product and on getting more customer satisfaction and to give more choice, industry has to plan a much bigger role," Kapoor said.

On taxation issues, he stated: "So from government, we can't really commit anything but, but we understand that taxation is a major issue. We have to look at all aspects, all levels, so that industry remains viable".

Kapoor noted that while PM E-Drive scheme doesn't specifically cover four-wheelers, government support for segment is very much re.

While emphasising EV targets for various vehicle segments, he noted that diesel vehicles need to be replaced by EVs in cities facing air pollution issues.

"...for light commercial vehicles, at least in some cities where pollution is high, we have to come up with some date when we say that no more diesel (vehicles)," Kapoor said.

He said EV sector is important not only from energy security point, but also because government wants India to become a leer in manufacturing EVs.

"We are alrey a country which has good capabilities and capacities in motor vehicles, components, parts, everything, so going on to EVs and becoming a manufacturing hub and also exporting to world, that's what we need to achieve," he stated.

Kapoor said government is trying to encourage EV option by various central government departments and ministries and even trying to motivate states to do so.

Union minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, HD Kumaraswamy said government has received a good response under PM E-Drive scheme.

"We hope to continue this momentum in years to come. Ministry of Heavy Industries is leing nationwide push for electric vehicle option, contributing to India's ambitious net zero target for 2070," he said.

He furr said ministry is also working on strengning component manufacturing ecosystem for batteries.

"We are looking at how major components, like anode, cathode, foil manufacturers and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) can come toger," minister stated.

ministry is also actively supporting research initiatives in battery technology, charging infrastructure and recycling, he said.