Nitin Gadkari Predicts EV Prices to Match Petrol and Diesel Cars, India's Automotive Sector Set for Major Growth
Nitin Gadkari Predicts EV Prices to Match Petrol and Diesel Cars, India's Automotive Sector Set for Major Growth
India’s automotive industry is currently in a period of impressive expansion, having overtaken Japan to become the third-largest auto manufacturer in the world, following the USA and China. The country’s auto sector is growing at a steady rate of 9%, with the potential to reach 10% in the coming years. At the 64th annual session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Union Minister Nitin Gadkari shared his ambitious vision for the industry’s future, focusing on India’s role in global manufacturing and the rising prominence of electric vehicles (EVs).
One of the most exciting developments Gadkari highlighted was the expected price drop of electric vehicles. According to him, within the next two years, the cost of EVs in India will reach parity with that of petrol and diesel vehicles, which would significantly bolster their adoption. This, Gadkari emphasized, would occur without the need for government subsidies, thanks to technological advancements and scaling production.
Currently, electric vehicles often come with a higher price tag than their fossil fuel counterparts, a barrier that has slowed their widespread adoption. However, this gap is narrowing. As the government pushes for greener, more sustainable transport solutions, consumers are expected to benefit from this cost reduction. With EVs offering significantly lower operational costs, the expected price parity could make them the default choice for many buyers.
A major factor driving down vehicle costs, Gadkari explained, is the government’s new scrappage policy. By recycling critical materials such as aluminum, copper, steel, and rubber from older vehicles, manufacturers can lower production costs by up to 30%. This would provide a competitive edge to India’s auto sector, leveraging its low labor costs and innovative production techniques to position the country as a global automotive manufacturing hub.
Gadkari also mentioned that under this policy, consumers who scrap their old vehicles could receive up to a 3% discount on new purchases. This incentive, combined with the reduction in manufacturing costs, is expected to make new vehicles more affordable and environmentally friendly. The minister encouraged original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enhance the quality and efficiency of their products to increase demand and sales further.
India's auto industry is not just about domestic growth; the country is also keen to expand its export capabilities. Gadkari mentioned that India can further its position as a major exporter by leveraging cost advantages, high-quality production, and government policies that promote sustainability. He urged the industry to continue its shift towards alternative, less polluting fuels, and to capitalize on the advantages of India's strong engineering base.
A central theme of Gadkari’s speech was the importance of reducing India's reliance on fossil fuels. Currently, India’s fossil fuel imports amount to a staggering Rs 22 lakh crore, a figure that the government is keen to bring down. Gadkari was clear in his position, stating, “I’m not against diesel and petrol,” but emphasized the need to move away from such heavy dependency.
One way forward is through the adoption of alternative fuels such as ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and electric vehicles. Gadkari gave an example of Bajaj’s recently launched CNG bike, which costs only Rs 1 per km to operate compared to over Rs 2 per km for petrol bikes. By promoting vehicles that run on CNG and ethanol, the country could not only lower its fuel bills but also provide significant benefits to sectors such as agriculture.
Farmers, in particular, have been benefiting from the rise in demand for ethanol, a biofuel derived from crops like corn. Gadkari noted that the price of corn has doubled due to increased ethanol production, providing an additional revenue stream for farmers and reducing the need for costly oil imports.
India’s rise in the global automotive rankings, coupled with these new policies and technological advancements, suggests that the country is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the global auto industry. Gadkari’s ambitious plan to make India the world’s largest automotive manufacturing hub is rooted in solid economic strategies, such as cost-efficient production, innovative recycling policies, and a strong push toward cleaner energy.
In the coming years, the Indian automotive landscape could witness significant changes, from more affordable electric vehicles to greener, more sustainable manufacturing processes. If the country continues along this trajectory, it will not only dominate global auto manufacturing but also set an example for other nations in reducing pollution and dependence on fossil fuels.
As India gears up to transition to a cleaner, more efficient transportation sector, Gadkari’s vision offers a glimpse of a future where electric vehicles and alternative fuels are the norm, making the country a key player in the global automotive revolution.
Also Read: