With a pledge to promote EVs as fast as possible and build public trust, Union Trade and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal declared the government’s commitment to improve the safety of EVs in India.
In a keynote address at Start-up India on Friday, Goyal also emphasised on the importance of strong safety protocols to keep the EV sector growing.
A Call for More Secure EV Grids
Goyal also called for a sustainable charging infrastructure and battery swap facilities alongside traditional charging networks. He insisted that the shift to EVs be “a people’s movement” and that we need a collective effort to make accessibility accessible across all sectors.
The Minister was addressing stakeholders at the Consultation Meeting on the “Development of Battery Charging and Swapping Infrastructure” hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Safety First – A Critical Agenda
In order to capture the audience’s attention, Goyal stressed that EV safety standards must be designed to meet today’s challenges and anticipate the future. He encouraged leaders in the industry to work with government agencies to put in place rigorous standards to protect consumers.
Leading players in the sector shared similar sentiments. They lauded how fast battery-swapping technology was progressing – robotics-driven swaps taking only 135 seconds, for example – but called for standardisation and transparency.
Fueling Growth with Infrastructure Development
Goyal suggested a charging and swapping system at petrol pumps, CNG stations, and city centres to make it easier for people to use EVs.
We want EV charging to be as standard as petrol, according to Piyush Goyal. Widespread infrastructure, he stressed, was the only way to cut logistical slack and mitigate vandalism.
Highlighting India’s startup ecosystem as an innovation hub, Goyal pointed out that there are already many startups innovating solutions for EV issues. ‘The state’s encouragement, including through tax breaks, easing regulations and easy access to capital, has created the conditions for growth,’ he said.
Economic Viability Over Subsidies
In a major statement, Goyal said the EV market is ready to flourish without any further subsidies. “EVs are competitive due to the economic benefits of electric cars and declining battery prices. We don’t need new incentives,” he claimed.
Those at the top of the industry embraced this sentiment, recognising that incentives alone had sufficiently fuelled the early growth cycle. They said it was time to focus now on safety for EVs and infrastructure capacity.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability
The event also brought representatives from key ministries such as Power, Transport, and Environment together to deliberate on coordinated plans to create EVs. Goyal stressed the need for government and private institutions to work together towards a sustainable policy.
A Bright Future for EVs in India?
To close his speech, Goyal espoused the hope that India can become the global pioneer of EV revolution. “The groundwork is laid. “India’s EV path will skyrocket with better safety and infrastructure,” he concluded.
With India chugging towards electrification, Goyal’s vision calls for an optimal balance between safety, access, and innovation to make EVs the next car.
