Scheme for FAME India, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles has been announced by the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) of the Government of India, in association with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). The initiative was announced by Shri Anant Geete, Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises of India in the presence of stakeholders and the general public. Organized by the Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India. The event was honored in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Heavy Industry Shri Anant Geete, Secretary Heavy Industry Shri Rajan Katoch, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor Shri S.K Bahri and Additional Secretary Heavy Industry Shri Ambuj Sharma.
Back in 2011, the National Mission for Electric Mobility was approved by the Government of India and subsequently National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 was unveiled sometime in 2013 by the then Honorable Indian Prime Minister. As part of the Mission, DHI has formulated the scheme namely FAME – India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India). As part of the initiative, the scheme intends on achieving national fuel security, globally competitive xEV (hybrid & electric vehicle) eco-system and affordable environment friendly transportation for the future. The scheme majorly focuses on 4 major thrust areas namely- demand and supply creation, technology development, charging infrastructure and pilot projects.
As per the Mission, the overall scheme proposed to be implemented over a period of 6 years, till 2020, aims at xEV sale of 6-7 million units per year, wherein it is intended to support the xEV market development and its manufacturing eco-system to achieve self-sustenance at the end of the stipulated period. The initial 2 year phase I of the scheme kicked off this month with the onset of the new financial year and shall last till the end of the financial Year 2016-17 with an approved outlay of Rs 795 Cr. Initial allocation of Rs 75 Crore is sanctioned in the budget for the current FY (FY 2015-16)
Speaking more on the occasion, Shri Anant Geete said, “Keeping in view the limited domestic reserves of the conventional fuels and the rising demand in the automobile sector, it is a dire necessity to find alternate sources of energy for transport which are eco-friendly yet cost-effective. In the present circumstances, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (hybrid &) Electric vehicles Scheme is a necessity. We hope that the scheme shall be a success and benefits the citizens of our country and meet the objectives which are set out in the Mission. Today, the first national workshop organized by our Ministry also saw various stakeholders including our partners from the State Govts participating with full fervor; we are hopeful that as one of important stakeholders we will have their active participation in the implementation of the scheme as we go forward. I must say “Team India” will work for this nationally important scheme and make our country proud.”
Hon’ble Minister has asked industry and academia experts in the country to come forward and develop new and advanced electric and hybrid vehicle models across across the segments that match international standards, while also being cost effective in the process. He said that the involvement of state Govts. and local bodies will be crucial in the successful roll out of pilot projects and public charging infrastructure for which the Central Govt. shall provide adequate funds in the initial years.
Owing to growing concerns, the global Government body including countries such as USA, EU (including France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, The Netherlands), Japan and China has been promoting these evolving alternate technology vehicles. Across the globe, the major focus is on market creation through various forms of incentives, particularly on the demand side of incentives.
It is believed that if executed as per the plan, the scheme would result in a substantial decrease in carbon dioxide emissions by 24 million tonnes, fuel savings up to 9,500 million liters (valued at ` 60,000 cr.)and creation of approximately 3 lakh jobs by 2020. This shall result in a major boost to the country’s overall economy and particularly “Make in India Initiative”.
The allocation of about Rs. 75 crore to the scheme in the recent union budget has also been a constructive step in the direction of implementation of the scheme and it is expected that, based on the success in the introductory phase, the mission shall likely provide further impetus including further investments that would help in the making of xEVtechnologies. The Hon’ble Minister also inaugurated a display of hybrid and electric vehicles in two, three and four wheeler segments being manufactured in India, which are eligible for coverage under the new scheme.
