Assocham E-mobility Conference

Industry-body Assocham Conducted An International Conference On E-mobility In Delhi.

- Anwesh Koley

The 6th International Conference on e-mobility conducted by Assocham looked into the challenges faced by the auto sector in India towards successful adoption. Touching upon the need to look at solar energy for powered electric vehicles, the conference drew a large number of auto industry leaders and stakeholders along with government officials. In his opening address, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Arvind Ganpat Sawant expressed that the government is giving subsidy on electric vehicles because of the high battery costs. He mentioned that there was a need to undertake R&D initiatives in regards to metals and chemicals used in the manufacture of batteries with the view of reducing costs. Stating that his ministry has already put in place the required policy framework in the form of FAME scheme to encourage fast adoption of electric vehicles, Sawant drew attention to the Expression of Interest (EoI) invitation for availing incentives under the said scheme. The FAME II scheme entails the deployment of 5,000 electric buses on operational-cost-model basis across selected cities. So far, three times the stipulated applications have been received, amounting to 15,000 numbers.