At the Green Bharat Summit 2024, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, stepped onto the stage for the session “Fireside Chat: Defining the New India EV Age.”
Known for his straightforward approach and ambitious vision, Shri Nitin Gadkari didn’t disappoint, delivering a clear and powerful roadmap for India’s green mobility revolution.
From 2% to 80% – Can India Meet Its EV Targets?
India’s electric vehicle (EV) adoption is currently at a modest 2-3%, but Shri Nitin Gadkari’s targets for 2030 are anything but modest:
- 30% of passenger vehicles
- 70% of commercial vehicles
- 40% of buses
- 80% of two- and three-wheelers
When asked about the feasibility of these goals, Shri Nitin Gadkari responded with characteristic optimism:
“Frankly, we don’t think in terms of targets because the EV industry’s growth has already surpassed our imagination. The sky is the limit.”
Driving the EV Revolution: Costs, Quality, and Global Leadership
The Minister emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of EVs, describing them as “import substitutes, cost-effective, pollution-free, and indigenous.” The financial advantage is compelling: switching from petrol or diesel to electricity could cut fuel costs by up to 90%.
Equally important is the falling cost of lithium-ion batteries, a game-changer for EV affordability. Battery costs have dropped from $150 per kilowatt-hour to $100, with projections to reach $80 soon. As Shri Gadkari pointed out:
“If you’re spending ₹30,000 a month on petrol, you’ll spend just ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 on electricity for an EV.”
But it’s not just about savings. The minister highlighted the rise of Indian-made EV models, some of which he claimed are “better than Tesla” in terms of affordability and quality.
India, now the third-largest automobile market globally, has surpassed Japan, with an industry size of ₹22 lakh crore. Shri Gadkari confidently projected:
“In five years, India will be the world’s largest automobile market, and EVs will drive this growth.”
Tackling the Charging Challenge
One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption remains the availability of charging infrastructure. Shri Gadkari reassured the audience that fast-charging stations and flash-charging systems are being rolled out across highways and cities. These advancements, coupled with renewable energy integration, will eliminate range anxiety for EV users.
The Green Mobility Ecosystem
He stressed that the EV revolution is just one piece of India’s green mobility puzzle. The government is also exploring alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, biofuels, and hydrogen. Projects like municipal waste-to-green hydrogen conversion are already underway in Nagpur, showcasing innovative approaches to sustainability.
He also endorsed the idea of mandating EV adoption in government fleets, a move that could set a precedent for private players and accelerate the transition.
Roads Made of Waste – A Circular Economy in Action
In a remarkable pivot to sustainability, Shri Nitin Gadkari highlighted efforts to use recycled materials like plastic and rubber waste in road construction. This approach not only reduces environmental harm but also supports a circular economy. He envisions a future where a significant percentage of roads are built using these materials.
Reducing Logistics Costs – India’s Competitive Advantage
Transportation costs, currently at 16% of GDP, are a significant hurdle to India’s global competitiveness. Shri Gadkari outlined a plan to reduce this to 9% within two years through integrated multimodal transport systems, including:
- Highways
- Railways
- Waterways
- Ropeways and cable cars
This reduction, he argued, would make India a more attractive destination for manufacturing and exports.
The Vision for 2047 – A Developed India
Looking ahead, Shri Nitin Gadkari reiterated India’s long-term goals:
- Achieving the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047
- Becoming a $5 trillion economy
- Transforming the auto sector into a cornerstone of exports and job creation
“In five years, our road network will be equivalent to that of the USA,” he declared, underscoring his confidence in India’s potential.
Challenges Ahead
Addressing challenges such as land acquisition and political differences across states, Shri Nitin Gadkari remained pragmatic:
“There are people who convert problems into opportunities and those who turn opportunities into problems. I prefer the former.”
He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, innovation, and embracing new technologies to overcome these hurdles.
The Green Mobility Revolution is Here
The session ended with thunderous applause, a testament to Shri Nitin Gadkari’s compelling vision and unwavering confidence in India’s green mobility journey. As the minister left the stage, one thing was clear: under his leadership, India is not just keeping pace with the global green revolution, it’s leading it.
For the Green Bharat Summit 2024, this fireside chat wasn’t just a discussion; it was a blueprint for the future.
India’s EV age has arrived, and it’s here to stay.