Government of India is currently setting up a new body to help companies to develop greener vehicles for future. The body will promote hybrid technology vehicles and electric vehicles in the country. For this purpose, the government is setting up National Electric Mobility Mission that will enable companies to develop batteries for the electric vehicles that offer lower running cost and maintenance.
“There are several players in India making different kind of electric vehicles but lack of infrastructure to charge these vehicles and the high-price of hybrid cars has prevented growth,” said Ambuj Sharma, joint-secretary, ministry of Heavy Industries.
Currently, electric vehicles or automobiles running on hybrid technology are double the price of fossil fuel models. This is due to expensive batteries and expensive technology. Bigger automakers like Toyota and Honda have failed to generate numbers in the market owing to hefty price tag. Electric vehicle manufacturers have a capacity of producing over 10 lakh units annually but sales are restricted to only up to one lakh. As the auto market is booming in the country, government intends to capitalise on the un-utilised segment and generate revenues to develop appropriate infrastructure as well.
