No major automotive policy announcement at Move India Summit

After a few impromptu announcements on EV’s, bio-fuels, and emission targets, the Government today recognised the need for a stable policy with the Prime Minster Narendra Modi promising one in place for EVs and other alternative fuel vehicles. He also said that his vision for mobility in India is based on seven Cs: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean, Cutting-edge.

The Prime Minster also stated that India is best placed globally to be an early mover in future mobility for reasons such as, “India does not carry a legacy of resource blind mobility and solutions built on the back of private car ownership, thus it gives us a window of opportunity to create an all-new seamless mobility ecosystem.” Further he stated our strengths in the IT sector, digital payments and internet-enabled shared economy are all elements that are increasingly becoming drivers of future mobility.  Thus he hopes that ‘we build a template for the world to adapt’.

He also urged the industry to look beyond cars and look at vehicles like scooters and rickshaws and also shared mobility solutions. He also acknowledged that the Government needs to also look at pedestrians and cyclists, mainly in ensuring their safety and security. Further, he stated that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) uses one of the best battery systems available to power satellites, and urged other companies to partner with ISRO to develop cutting-edge battery tech for EVs.