Govt eyes 30% electric vehicle share in private cars by 2030

MUMBAI: The government intends to have EV sales penetration of 30% for private cars, 70% for commercial vehicles and 80% for two and three-wheelers by 2030 as there is an immediate need to decarbonize the transport sector, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

Gadkari further said if electric vehicles penetrate to 40% in the two-wheelers and cars segment and close to 100% for buses by 2030, India would be able to reduce crude oil consumption by 156 million tonne worth Rs 3.5 lakh crore.

"There is an immediate need to decarbonize the transport sector and make it sustainable with the economy, ecology, and environmental point of view ," he said.

"The government intends to have EV sales penetration of 30% for private cars, 70% for commercial vehicles, 40% for buses, and 80% for two and three-wheelers by 2030," he added.

The road transport and highways minister said he has asked US-based Tesla several times to manufacture its iconic electric vehicles in India, while assuring that all support will be provided by the government to the company. Gadkari further said electric cars manufactured by Tata Motors are not less good than electric cars manufactured by Tesla.

"I have told Tesla that don't sell electric cars in India which your company has manufactured in China. You should manufacture electric cars in India, and also export cars from India," he said. Tesla has demanded reduction in import duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in India.

"Whatever support you (Tesla) want, will be provided by our government," Gadkari added.