New Delhi. Many efforts are being made to promote electric vehicles in the country. However, their acceptance among people is low due to their higher price compared to petrol vehicles. The price of electric two-wheelers has come down due to the start of manufacturing of electric vehicles and components in the country itself, but electric cars are still very expensive. Highways and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has raised the issue of the price of electric vehicles and their sale many times.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari says that the price of electric cars will be equal to that of petrol cars in the next 2 years. Their sales will start increasing as the price will become affordable for the common man. Nitin Gadkari has been in favor of electric mobility for a long time. Speaking at the 64th ACMA Annual Session, Gadkari emphasized on measures to make electric vehicles affordable for the general public.
Road safety is also a matter of concern
Gadkari also reflected on the skepticism he received from major automobile manufacturers a decade ago. “Ten years ago, when I was pushing for EVs, the automobile giants in India did not take me seriously. Now, they tell me that maybe they have missed an opportunity,” Gadkari said. He stressed that the industry's outlook on EVs has changed significantly.
During his address, the minister also urged automobile companies to contribute to road safety initiatives through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes. He emphasised that road safety remains a key concern for his ministry, as poorly designed and engineered roads are one of the major causes of accidents in India.
Subsidy is needed to promote e-vehicles
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also said that he is not against giving additional subsidies or incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) if the Finance Ministry or the Industry Ministry decides to implement them.
Gadkari said, “I am not against any additional subsidy or incentive for electric vehicles. If the Finance Minister and the Industry Minister want to give more, I have no problem.”
However, he pointed out that incentives would not be needed after two years, as by then the cost of EVs is expected to be at par with petrol and diesel vehicles. Nevertheless, he confirmed his openness to any further incentives during this transition period.
Tags: Auto News, Electric Car, Electric Vehicles
FIRST PUBLISHED : September 9, 2024, 19:51 IST