Speaking at the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, Gadkari added that the construction of the 212-km Delhi-Dehradun access-controlled expressway will be finished within the next three months.
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Gadkari has been one of the most ardent supporters of EVs and alternative fuel vehicles in India since the last decade. EVs have been a topic of debate among different groups of the automobile industry. Earlier OEMs were reluctant towards this shift but now all major players in the PV and two-wheeler segment have at least one EV product in their portfolio.
"Within six months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles," he said. The government policy is import substitute, cost-effectiveness, pollution-free and indigenous production, said the minister.
In order to make India become the third-largest economy, its infrastructure sector must be improved, the Union minister stated. Gadkari firmly stated that the future of the nation's economy is extremely bright and the government is serious on smart cities and smart transport. Gadkari stressed on ensuring new technology and innovation in an effort to make road construction cheap.
Gadkari claims reductions in the price of EVs
This is not the first instance that Gadkari has said that prices of EVs are likely to decrease. Earlier during a public address in Nagpur, Gadkari had indicated that the price of electric cars in India will be comparable with petrol vehicles within two years (2025) with the advancement of battery technology and growing indigenous production. He emphasized that the running cost of EVs is much less than petrol or diesel vehicles.
Running Costs of EVs are less than that of ICEs
Not only upfront purchase expense but Gadkari has also earlier on various occasions declared that operating expenses of EVs are much lower compared to those of ICEs. He has continuously underlined the fact that the running cost of an EV is approximately ₹1 per km as against ₹5-7 per km for petrol/diesel vehicles.
He further justified the point that although EVs cost more up front, saving in the long term in fuel costs them over being a less expensive vehicle in the longer term.
Conclusion
Electric vehicles (EVs) are poised to become more affordable, with their prices expected to match those of petrol cars within the next six months, as stated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. This shift is driven by advancements in battery technology, increased indigenous production, and government policies promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
With EV penetration currently at just 2% in the Indian automotive market, the sector is set for significant expansion as manufacturers ramp up production and introduce new models. Additionally, the lower running costs of EVs compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles make them a viable and economical alternative in the long run.
Gadkari's statements reaffirm the government's commitment to smart cities, improved infrastructure, and green mobility. As EV technology continues to evolve and production scales up, consumers can expect greater affordability, making electric mobility a mainstream choice for the future.
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