Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has underscored the urgent need for India to align with the global shift towards electric mobility as the nation strives to reduce its carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Kant emphasised the growing global trend towards electric vehicles (EVs) and stressed that India must not lag behind in this transformative journey. He said, "The world is going electric, and it is imperative for India to follow suit."
Kant urged the country to adopt a forward-thinking approach and explore innovative, sustainable fuel solutions. He stressed the significance of expanding domestic battery manufacturing capabilities, noting that battery production plays a pivotal role in the adoption of electric vehicles.
Additionally, he highlighted that developing a robust battery manufacturing ecosystem in India would not only reduce dependence on imports but also create substantial employment opportunities.
A recent report by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 'Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles' indicated that India may require a minimum of 1.32 million charging stations by 2030 to facilitate the rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). As part of its goals for 2030, the government aims for EV sales penetration of 30 percent for private cars, 70 percent for commercial vehicles, and 80 percent for two and three-wheelers.
Biofuels - The future
Kant predicted a substantial shift toward
biofuels in the four-wheeler (4W) segment. He highlighted the environmental benefits and sustainability of biofuels, indicating that they would play a vital role in reducing emissions and achieving India's climate goals.
Green hydrogen, Kant added is a crucial element in the transition to clean energy. However, he acknowledged that the cost of green hydrogen needs to be significantly reduced to drive adoption. "
Our target should be to bring down the cost of green hydrogen to $1 per kilogram by 2030," he added.
The Government of India last month gave the green light to the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The mission, which aims to promote the production and utilization of green hydrogen, is poised to play a pivotal role in reducing the nation's carbon footprint and advancing its commitment to renewable energy sources.
Read more on this here Kant also emphasized the need for a swift transition to
electric mobility in the two-wheeler (2W), three-wheeler (3W), and four-wheeler (4W) segments. He underscored that this transition is not a choice but a necessity to reduce air pollution, combat climate change, and secure a sustainable future for India.
First Published: Sept 13, 2023 12:27 PM IST
