Localization of Electric Vehicles is Possible in India, Says NITI Aayog Deputy Director General Government wants companies to manufacture locally for both domestic and foreign markets: Harkiran Sanjeevi

While both the government and private players in the electric vehicle space are looking to achieve similar targets, their approach is seemingly different. Government's FAME II scheme states that 50 per cent of localization of electric vehicles is required for claiming incentives. This rule has been debated extensively as many companies have found it difficult to meet this requirement at present.

Speaking to Entrepreneur India during World EV Show, organised by Trescon, Harkiran Sanjeevi, deputy director general at NITI Aayog said the government wants companies to manufacture locally in India for both the domestic and foreign markets.

Related Story: Is Lack of Charging Infrastructure Impeding Growth of Electric Vehicle Sales?

According to Sanjeevi, India has the resources to make localization possible. "The only thing lacking is the lithium ion for batteries. Government is entering into partnerships with other countries for sourcing the raw materials."

She said that the government is inviting manufacturers to make the parts in India rather than just assembling the vehicle in the country.

The transition to electric vehicles is visible as many companies have already announced the launch of EV models, she said, adding that she believes that a lot of progress had been made in the past year.

Though the government has been actively encourage EV adoption in India, the public uptake has been slow.

While speaking at the same event, Sohinder Gill, chief executive officer of Hero Electric India stated the industry perspective and said that if the government, users and the industry is looking to switch to e-mobility within a certain number of years, then steps need to be taken today and not in five or ten years.