In line with its move to popularise EVs and hybrids in the country, the government has also started the development of in-house developed EV platforms ranging from two-wheelers to commercial vehicles.

Speaking to our sister publication Autocar Professional, Ambuj Sharma, additional secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, said that with investments of nearly
Rs 1,600 crore and involvement from major OEMs, the government will showcase its first prototypes in around 18 months, with commercial production of the new platforms likely to start in 24 months.

“We have involved all the major OEMs. On the bus platform we have Tata, Ashok Leyland, Mahindra, Eicher all on board. Their technical know-how, R&D facilities, along with centres of excellence and some IITs are coming together on the project. We are putting in government money for R&D. Since all OEMs are on board and they are deeply involved in the process, each of them would build their own prototypes and would be allowed to brand individually, but the platform specs and components would all be common,” explained Sharma.

The development of these new platforms is part of the government’s FAME scheme but instead of offering incentives to manufacturers the government itself is looking to develop EV platforms.

Speaking on the development of EV platforms for the two-wheeler and small car segment Sharma said: “In the Indian transport scenario these three are the major focus areas. One-fourth of our auto sales are two-wheelers, so our initial focus was on providing viable electric two-wheelers and most of the present electric two-wheelers were using only imported Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean parts and our primary concern was to find an Indian solution for that.”

He added that EVs from foreign manufacturers were too premium for the market and that the models were not developed keeping India in mind.

Talking about the CV platform he said, “The third focus area is public transportation. With public transport largely being managed by state governments, lots of efficiencies can be brought in there. It is a major people mover and most of the fossil fuel spent is on public transport, hence electrification there would have a much higher scale of benefit and would directly result in a cleaner environment as well.”

The FAME scheme is now extended to all parts of the country, and sales of electric vehicles are also picking up. With these new platforms the government envisions a cleaner and more efficient transport environment in the country.