New Delhi, July 2023.
A one-day conference titled “Policy Support & Enablers to Accelerate India’s Electric Mobility,” organized by NITI Aayog and supported by WRI India and Asian Development Bank, was held today on the side-lines of the fourth Energy Transition Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency. The conference served as a crucial platform to convene national and international stakeholders, engaging in meaningful discussions and exploring viable financing, regulatory, and policy avenues to catalyze India’s decarbonization trajectory and advance the growth of electric mobility in the country. NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Shri Suman Bery, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, India’s G20 Sherpa Shri. Amitabh Kant and other prominent dignitaries were present on the occasion.
The conference featured in-depth discussions revolving around key themes, such as ‘Develop Vibrant EV Ecosystem in States’ and ‘the National Electric Bus Programme.’ Moreover, high-level dialogues and G20 talks centered around Electric Vehicle Finance Innovations and the Future Electric Mobility Landscape offered valuable insights for stakeholders to navigate the evolving electric mobility ecosystem.
Chief Minister of Goa, Dr. Pramod Sawant, made a significant announcement during the event, showcasing Goa’s commitment to eco-friendly transportation. Starting from 2024, all new tourist vehicles in the state will be mandated to be electric, signifying a significant leap in Goa’s journey towards sustainable mobility. Additionally, permit holders overseeing multiple vehicles, including rental cars and bikes in Goa, have pledged to electrify 30% of their fleet through retrofitting by June 2024, contributing to the state’s electrification efforts.
In his inaugural address, Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, highlighted the transformative potential of the Indian EV industry and its positive impact on both the economy and the environment. He emphasized the role of electric mobility in accelerating India’s economic growth along low-carbon pathways and facilitating the nation’s net-zero vision for 2070.
Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, delivered a special address at the event, underscoring the need to sustain the momentum of electric mobility in India. He emphasized the seven Cs framework for EVs envisioned by the Prime Minister- Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, and Cutting-edge. Shri Amitabh Kant urged for the electrification of 100% of 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, and 65-70% of buses by 2030. To achieve this vision, he stressed the importance of a low-cost financing framework, a robust charging infrastructure, and collaborative efforts among central, state, and city authorities, all underpinned by a consistent policy framework.
