Centre sets up task force to accelerate India’s EV drive
Ficci, India Battery Swapping Association, USAID, others to focus on EV-related aspects
To promote the country’s electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in line with its vision of Viksit Bharat, the Centre is in the process of establishing a task force to create a roadmap for the industry, per a letter sent by the ministry of heavy industries (MHI) to automakers that Mint has seen. MHI will finalise the setup of the task force in collaboration with Ficci (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and other agencies.
“The EV task force has been set up to engage with stakeholders through workshops and stakeholder meetings to gather their insights and recommendations on various aspects of EV adoption and infrastructure development,” read the letter.
Different agencies have been asked for inputs on 11 topics to build an action plan for EV adoption.
“The agencies involved with the foundation of the EV task force have already started approaching original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to proceed on the project of automotive vision plan for Viksit Bharat 2047,” said one person aware of the matter on condition of anonymity.
MHI and Ficci didn’t respond to queries sent by Mint till press time.
I.V. Rao, distinguished fellow at TERI, one of the agencies in the task force, confirmed the ministry’s move. “While TERI supports other agencies, our primary focus is on identifying and addressing skill gaps in the industry,” said Rao. “We have been separately working with heavy duty trucks for a different project, but comprehensive mapping and analysis precede any further action,” he added, on whether the task force has already started approaching OEMs. “Involving all stakeholders is crucial, but equally important is ensuring that the right individuals represent them.”
AGENCIES have been asked for inputs on 11 topics to build an action plan for EV adoption
WORK has started on laying the cornerstone to make India an e-mobility transition pioneer
GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit), a German government and European Union (EU) agency, and Ficci will focus on charging infrastructure, while the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI) will concentrate on two- and three-wheelers.
The Indian Battery Swapping Association (IBSA) will look at battery swapping. The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) will handle matters related to electric trucks,
THE task force will engage with stakeholders through workshops and meetings
I.V. RAO, a distinguished fellow at TERI, one of the agencies, confirmed MHI’s move
and the World Bank (WB) will oversee the subject matter of electric buses.
Additionally, WRI India (World Resources Institute)/Ficci will look into electric four-wheelers, and the US Agency of International Development (USAID) will be responsible for power electronics, devices, and motors.
The India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) is assigned to advanced chemistry cell (ACC) technologies. Primus Partners will explore the development of rare earth magnets. Climate Trends will liaise with testing agencies to ensure compliance and standards, and TERI is tasked with skilling and workforce development to support the burgeoning EV sector.
The Centre had announced that it will not extend the faster adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles II (FAME II) scheme, which was introduced in 2019 for three years ending 31 March 2024. In its place, a new scheme was announced called Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 with an outlay of ₹500 crore on 1 April 2024.
Another policy, the New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024, was announced to promote India as a manufacturing hub for EVs, capping the number of imported EVs at 8,000 per year at a lower customs duty of 15%. Companies that take this benefit will have to set up manufacturing facilities in India within three years and attain a localization level of 50% within five years.
“The government’s efforts to foster electric vehicle adoption are evident through their new policy, which has enticed global manufacturers and incentivized consumers,” said Gaurav Vangaal, associate director , S&P Global Mobility. “This is complemented by states that are offering benefits to encourage EV acquisition. However, the absence of direct promotion necessitates collaboration among stakeholders. Bringing them together to amplify the cause reflects an optimistic strategy.”