Roads, Transport and Highways Union Minister Nitin Gadkari envisions that there will be 20 million electric vehicles on Indian roads by the end of this decade. Speaking at an event on electric vehicles and future cars, the minister said electric vehicles have great potential and investors should come and invest in this field to protect the ecology and the environment. Gadkari also added that by 2030, India will have about 2 million electric vehicles. He also said that increased focus on electric vehicles will not only help in reducing pollution but also in creating jobs which will eventually lead to growing wealth in the country. Gadkari further added that this will help India become Atmanirbhar (self-reliance).
When it comes to environmental pollution including noise pollution, air pollution and water pollution, Gadkari said the transportation sector accounted for 40 percent, PTI reported. He highlighted the increased operation of electric buses, which will help promote greener and cleaner transportation in the country.
Also read: MG-BPCL commissions 12 DC fast chargers for EVs in Delhi-Jalandhar corridor
Gadkari claimed that increased focus on electric vehicles and growth in this sector will ensure that India is also self-reliant in the fuel industry. Fuel imports are a big challenge for India, he said.The minister said that around ¥16 trillion outflows from the Indian economy due to imports of petrol and diesel. India imports more than 80% of its total fossil fuel needs from overseas oil producers, causing the country to spend a lot of its foreign exchange reserves. Gadkari believes that the development of electric vehicles will eventually significantly reduce the cost of imports.
He also said state governments should develop a policy to meet demand for electric vehicle batteries, which would generate mass employment.
First published date: Feb 12, 2023 at 14:27 PM CST
https://auto.hindustantimes.com/auto/electric-vehicles/two-crore-electric-vehicles-will-be-on-indian-roads-by-2030-gadkari-41676191269093.html