FICCI Electric Mobility Forum - Comments From Joint Secretary MHI | V3Cars

Here are the 6 points the joint secretary highlighted during his closing remarks at the forum.

1. TCO Awareness

Dr. Qureshi underscored the importance of communication to the vehicle manufacturers. Vehicle makers need to improve their communication with the buyers and make them aware of the concept of total cost of ownership, or TCO. The joint secretary's clear communication to the consumers about the total cost of ownership rather than just focusing on the upfront costs of buying an EV will naturally help tilt them in favour of the electric vehicles.

2. Focus On Sustainability

Reiterating Maruti Suzuki’s view, Qureshi suggested that we should have a holistic approach towards helping with climate change. Instead of focusing on one solution — electric vehicles — Dr. Qureshi suggested that we remain open to all solutions, be it hybrids, plug-in hybrids, bio CNG, hydrogen combustion or hydrogen fuel cell. Meanwhile, we should also remain open to testing the viability of other alternatives that help cut down carbon emissions.

Also Read: Shared, Mass Mobility Can Speed Up EV Adoption - CEO, Switch Mobility

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3. ICE Still An Important Part

In stark contrast to the forum’s core agenda, Qureshi also said that internal combustion engines still have a long way to go. Given the spike in demand for CNG cars in recent years, he hinted towards continuing improvements and exploration in the field of combustion engines. Meanwhile, the work on alternative fuels can continue to help make a smooth transition to cleaner mobility.

It’s worth noting that Maruti’s Rahul Bharti also spoke along similar lines. They see a huge market for internal combustion engines well beyond 2030. Click the following link to read more about Maruti Suzuki’s view on the matter of urgency in EV adoption:

Maruti Suzuki Remain Committed To ICE Buyers Beyond 2030

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4. Common Charging Connector Standards

On the topic of charging infrastructure, the joint secretary said that they are working on this matter to bring a formal charging standard. This will open up all charging stations to all electric vehicles, thus making EVs even more viable for everyday use. Europe’s CCS (Combined Charging System) is currently under serious consideration towards becoming the Indian national EV charging standard.

5. Fame Budget Allocations

In terms of FAME budget allocations, the chief guest said that they have Rs. 10,000 crore to advance electric vehicle adoption. Out of that, Rs. 1,000 crore will only go towards expanding charging infrastructure. Given the wide reach of the 3 major OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies) in the fuel distribution network, the government have set aside Rs. 800 crore out of the Rs. 1,000 crore to establish charging stations at major fuel stations. The goal is to set up 7,432 charging points with a capacity of 15 - 60kW per charging point with a tentative deadline of December 2024.

6. Larger Goals

Besides cutting emissions, Dr. Qureshi also talked about the importance of looking at the larger goals and advancing the nation while moving towards clean mobility. He talked about improving exports, localisation and targeting mass mobility while keeping India’s geopolitical goals in mind. He added that advancing India’s agenda on an international platform should also remain at the core of for-profit organisations when exploring and implementing sustainable mobility solutions.