Amitabh Kant, the former CEO of NITI Aayog, emphasized the importance of India accelerating its electric vehicle (EV) adoption, stating that the country is falling behind global leaders like China and is essentially "selling typewriters in a digital age."

"China is more than 50 percent EVs, Europe is at 10 percent and India is just 2 percent," Kant stated at the Green Bharat Summit in New Delhi on December 13, highlighting the urgency for India to speed up its EV adoption.

To stay competitive, the former chief of the government's think tank suggested that India should target 60 percent EVs by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035.

"We are five years behind the curve, and disruption will be rapid in the next five to six years," he said. "We are selling typewriters in a digital age," and that India must adapt quickly to avoid losing market share.

He further added, the Indian auto sector employs around 34 million people but with the tech shift, India risks losing out unless it moves swiftly.

He urged the government to use its strong relationship with the US to capitalize on global tariff restrictions imposed on China.

Kant also referred to the government's automobile production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, introduced in 2021, stating that "not a single penny has been utilized" under the initiative. "The emphasis should be on ramping up EV production, rather than just focusing on numbers," he added.

Kant commended Indian start-ups for leading the way in EV innovation, noting that there are 1,432 start-ups focused on two-wheelers, adding that the situation could have been quite different if left to traditional players. He described this shift in the industry as an "entrepreneur issue," stating that manufacturers should have increased production much sooner.

To position India as a global leader in the EV market, Kant emphasized the need for bold, immediate actions from both the government and the industry. "Ten times more needs to be done," he stressed.

Market Opportunities

India's large domestic market presents significant opportunities for the electric vehicle (EV) industry. With over a billion people and a rapidly growing middle class, India offers a vast consumer base for affordable, energy-efficient vehicles. The launch of Mahindra's new BE 6 EV car exemplifies the country's growing EV potential, catering to the demand for affordable and sustainable vehicles. With the government's push towards sustainability and rising environmental awareness, India is well-positioned to become a global leader in the EV market. By scaling production, India can not only meet domestic demand but also expand its export potential, boosting its global presence.

Challenges to Overcome

India faces several challenges in accelerating EV adoption, including high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, and range anxiety among consumers. Additionally, the lack of widespread awareness and the need for skilled labour in the EV sector are significant hurdles. Overcoming these barriers will require government incentives, private-sector investment, and a coordinated effort to build infrastructure and consumer confidence.