HD Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, Government of India, today said at a seminar that India will ensure sufficient charging infrastructure to support the massive adoption of electric vehicles across the country.

Speaking at the seminar hosted by FICCI and Ministry of Heavy Industries on 'FAME's Success in Transforming India's EV Landscape', Kumaraswamy also talked about introducing e-vouchers for electric vehicle (EV) buyers to avail of demand incentives under the newly approved PM E-DRIVE (PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) scheme. "This is a unique new feature of this new scheme. The modalities of this are in an advanced stage and will be shared with you soon," explained Kumaraswamy, further adding that the govt’s goal is to reduce the nation’s environmental footprint, improve air quality and build a competitive and resilient electric vehicle manufacturing industry.

The Union Cabinet introduced the PM E-DRIVE scheme last week with the goal of accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) by providing significant upfront incentives and developing essential infrastructure for charging them. The new plan adds a number of new components, such as INR 5 billion set aside specifically for the deployment of e-ambulances, INR 5 billion to encourage the use of electric trucks and INR 20 billion for the installation of 22,000 fast chargers for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 for e-buses and 48,400 for e-two and three-wheelers.

According to Kumaraswamy, 92 percent of the INR 115 billion allotted has been used to encourage around 93 percent of the targeted vehicles. Significant progress has also been made in public transit under the project; as of 31 July 2024, a total of 4,853 e-buses have been supplied out of the 6,862 authorised for intra-city operations.

Vinod Aggarwal, Immediate Past President, SIAM and MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, highlighted the FAME-II scheme's noteworthy contribution to the growth of India's e-mobility industry. Over 5 percent of the market for two-wheelers, 54 percent of the market for three-wheelers and 1.5 percent of the market for cars has been penetrated by the scheme. Aggarwal pointed out that, in comparison to the prior year, passenger EV sales increased by more than 90 percent and electric two-wheeler sales increased by more than 30 percent in 2023–24, demonstrating the scheme's success in hastening EV adoption throughout India.

Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, said, “With the PM E-DRIVE coming, the Phased Manufacturing Programme, the domestic value addition targets will be tweaked and amended so as to take advantage of our increased capability, and so that we become a truly a world leader in electric mobility technology.

Underlining the FAME II scheme as among the most transformative policies in India and noting that the electric three-wheeler industry was almost zero three years ago, FICCI President and Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, Dr Anish Shah, said, “Now, the industry has gone from zero to 20 percent, and we expect this to reach 100 percent in the next five years.”

Stressing the need for innovation, R&D and technology enhancements to maintain global competitiveness, Vikrampati Singhania, Vice President, ACMA and MD & Director, J K Fenner India, said, "The EV and autonomous vehicle market demands precision and advanced components. Investing in R&D, localisation and collaborations with startups and tech leaders will keep our industry at the forefront.”

TI Clean Mobility, part of the Murugappa Group, has appointed Jalaj Gupta as the new Managing Director.  

The auto industry veteran in his last position was the Business Head for Commercial Vehicles at Mahindra Group. He has around 29 years of experience in the automotive industry with expertise in business strategy, product development, sales, marketing, and vendor management.

Gupta an alumnus of Punjabi University and IMT Ghaziabad has also held leadership roles at Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland.

Prior to Gupta, TI Clean Mobility was led by Kalyan Kumar Paul, who served as the Managing Director with over 30-years of career with Tube Investments of India (TII) Group, which is part of the Murugappa Group. Paul had retired from the company in October 2024.

TI Clean Mobility, the electric vehicle business of the Murugappa Group, currently sells electric three-wheelers under the Montra brand and is also set to enter the electric small commercial vehicle (e-SCV) and electric tractor space. 

Mumbai-based automotive major Mahindra has unveiled the teaser sketches of its upcoming electric origin SUVs – the BE 6e and XEV 9e ahead of the November 26 debut.

Based on the Heartcore design philosophy, the BE 6e and XV 9e are completely new pure electric vehicles designed by the company, which it believes will disrupt the passenger vehicle segment.

The company is betting big on the upcoming EVs as they encapsulate dynamic styling, premium materials, and progressive proportions.

Pratap Bose, Chief Design & Creative Officer, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “Heartcore Design is about creating an emotional bond with our customers through design. Prepare to fall in love with our Electric Origin SUVs.”

Montra Electric, a brand owned by Tl Clean Mobility Pvt Ltd, has praised the Government of India for the continuation of subsidy support for the electrification of last-mile mobility under the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme.

Roy Kurian, Business Head, Montra Electric (Last Mile Division), said, “Montra Electric sincerely thanks the Ministry of Heavy Industry, Govt of India for ensuring continuity of the subsidy support to last-mile mobility. This crucial support will help the industry navigate challenges and further speed up the shift to electric last-mile solutions.”

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme was launched on 29 September 2024. The scheme was put into effect on 1 October 2024 and will continue until 31 March 2026. Furthermore, EMPS-2024, the number of vehicles and the spending under EMPS-2024 for e-2w and e-3w being implemented from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 are being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme; hence, the scheme's effective time will be two years.

Pure EV, one of India's leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers, has entered into a strategic partnership with Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, a subsidiary of Clarion Investment LLC, with an aim to expand its presence across the Middle East and African regions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pure EV will provide Arva Electric with a first shipment of 50,000 of its flagship models, the eTryst X and ecoDryft, over the next couple of years. Pure EV's position in these developing markets is anticipated to be cemented when the supply rises to 60,000 units per year after this initial phase. Pure EV will be Arva Electric's key technology partner in addition to supplying motorcycles, offering knowledge and assistance all the way through the distribution process. Pure EV will uphold all intellectual property rights pertaining to the bikes in order to safeguard unique technology as they increase their market share.

Dr Nishanth Dongari, Founder and Managing Director, Pure EV, said, “Our commitment to innovation and user experience ensures that we provide market-ready offerings and meet the growing demand for electric mobility solutions. This partnership not only aims to enhance sales but also to foster sustainable mobility solutions in regions where electric motorcycles are rapidly gaining traction, marking a significant step towards expanding our footprint in Middle East and African markets. By leveraging our strengths and capabilities together with Arva Electric, we are poised to make a significant impact on the electric vehicle landscape globally.”

Aniyan Kutty, Managing Director, Arva Electric Vehicles Manufacturing LLC, said, “We are pleased to partner with Pure EV, as their expertise in R&D and cutting-edge technology helps in building efficient and reliable 2W products. Both the companies are committed to promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions with an aim to reduce carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability in these regions.”