According to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, during the next two years, the price of electric cars (EVs) in India will be comparable to that of gasoline and diesel automobiles. Longtime proponent of electric mobility Gadkari also discussed the skepticism he encountered from big automakers ten years ago when speaking at the 64th ACMA Annual Session
Car companies in India didn’t take me seriously when I was advocating for electric vehicles ten years ago. Gadkari noted, “Now, they tell me they may have missed the bus,” highlighting how the industry’s viewpoint on EVs has significantly changed.
The minister also asked automakers to support road safety efforts with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs during his speech. He stressed that one of the main reasons for accidents in India is badly planned and engineered roads, which is why road safety is still a major issue for his ministry.
Additionally, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that if the Ministry of Finance or the Ministry of Industries decide to implement them, he would not be against providing additional subsidies or incentives for electric cars (EVs).
I have nothing against more incentives or subsidies for electric cars. Gadkari said, “I have no problem if the Finance Minister and Industries Minister want to give more.”
