Experts suggest that a mix of EVs, hydrogen and CNG vehicles could provide clean transport to India
Shri Rajeev Arun Ekka, IAS
The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) organised an international webinar on the theme ‘Making India an EV Nation: Learning Globally’ on April 30, 2021. It was presided over by the chief guest, Rajeev Arun Ekka (IAS), Principal Secretary to CM, Principal Secretary of the Department of Labour Employment and Training, IT and E-Governance and Labour Commissioner cum Managing Director, JBVNL, Government of Jharkhand. In his talk, Ekka said that while talking about electric vehicles, we should have keep in mind three factors: pollution, public transport and the purchasing power of the public.
“The EV policy should incorporate the exemptions and subsidies and also provide low interest loans as compared to normal vehicles to attract buyers. Huge numbers of charging stations are needed and the prices of EVs should be competitive with the ones running on fuel,” he added. Invited as guest of honour, Dr. Kamal Preet Singh (IAS), Secretary, Department of Transport, Food, Civil Supply and Consumer Protection, GAD, Government of Chhattisgarh suggested that there should be standardisation of the charging stations. He also requested industries to come up with fast-charging options. He added that financing companies should tie up with the EV companies to promote sales.
Ashish Modani, Vice President and Sector Head, ICRA Ltd., shared his views on developments in the EV market where there is a need to invest in creating awareness towards EV technology, tax benefits, financing options, etc. He mentioned the need for more clarity on the national EV policy and the scrappage policy for ICE, etc. “The government should provide support for multi-level policies like tax cuts and rebates, incentives for localisation, and state and centre coordination on certain issues,” he said. Sanjeev Gupta, Chairman, Power, RE and AE Committee, PHDCCI, invited new investments in the EV sector and assured that the PHDCCI would hand-hold them.
Dr. Kamal Preet Singh, IAS
Sanjay Aggarwal, President, PHDCCI, in his address complimented the Government of India and various state governments, specially the Government of NCT of Delhi’s ‘Switch Delhi’ for their progressive policies and continuous endeavours to promote the adoption of EVs in India. Encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles in India is one step out of the large number of steps which need to be taken for sustainable development, he said. Salil Gupta, Co-Chairman, Power, RE and AE Committee, PHDCCI, asked for supportive government policies and a favourable investment climate for achieving self-reliance in the EV sector and create more employment opportunities.
ICRA was the knowledge partner for the event and released a report during the webinar.
Saurabh Sanyal, Secretary-General, PHDCCI, presented the opening remarks of the technical session where he expressed optimism about India’s huge EV market. He suggested that investors should keep a long term perspective and added that the emerging technology and the introduction of new systems will be a huge opportunity for the new jobs and required skill development. Hugo Spowers, Founder, Riversimple, UK, explained why business models have to change and how both battery and hydrogen-driven vehicles is the next big thing. According to him, a mix of EVs, hydrogen and CNG vehicles could provide clean transport to India.
Purnima Voria, Founder and CEO, National US India Chamber of Commerce, USA, said that in September 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had mentioned his vision for the EV market in India and the process of adopting global practices. She added that many US-based companies are looking to invest in India in the EV sector and technology exchange. Bobby Ravji, Managing Director, Bloova Ltd., UK, explained how the right component inside the charging stations can impact efficiency. He also mentioned the benefits of creating massive battery storage units and working in collaboration with the government. Skrypnyk Sergiy, Project Head, Caris EV LLC, Ukraine, highlighted the benefits of creating the right infrastructure when it comes to charging stations.
The webinar was moderated by Dr. Yogesh Srivastav, Assistant Secretary-General, PHDCCI and was attended by many industry stalwarts pan-India. EV Tech News was the media partner. A large number of foreign investors and 190 delegates from the automotive industry participated. The webinar was supported by DLF India, Multani Pharmaceuticals, JK Tyre and Industries, Marble City, Paramount Cables, SMC Investments and Advisors Limited, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic, DCM Shriram Industries, Radico Khaitan, Timberworkz, Jaguar Overseas and Instinct Power and Infrastructure.
