Disruptive Innovation And Evs Will Bring Unprecedented Changes To The Indian Automotive Industry: Hyundai

By 2030, the Indian government plans to have only electric cars on the roads. This is achallenging target to achieve. In spite of a range of obstacles, most auto giants are preparing to foray into the Indian market. In an interaction with Baishakhi Dutta of Electronics Bazaar,Y.K. Koo, managing director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd, shares how the car manufacturer is gearing up to launch its first electric car in India. Excerpts follow...

- Baishakhi Dutta

EB: Do you see India’s road conditions improving enough to accommodate four-wheeler EVs?

I believe that India’s robust growth is inspirational. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has brought forth a national blueprint that offers opportunities for everyone, from knowledge based growth to future oriented infrastructure. The Indian automotive industry will see a wave of unprecedented changes and growth, by seeking new possibilities through disruptive innovation, and electric vehicles will play an important role in this arena.

EB: What are the pillars of Hyundai’s future mobility plans?

Dialogues in the mobility space are rapidly shifting from car based models to smart mobile models built for future sustainability. Automakers are embracing the dawn of smart mobility technology, which is more environment-friendly and efficient.

Hyundai’s smart mobility solutions are based on three pillars: Clean Mobility, Freedom in Mobility and Connected Mobility. Electric vehicles are one of the most important components of the first pillar of Clean Mobility. Hyundai is well prepared to offer all types of electric vehicles, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), electric vehicles (EVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

Under the second pillar of Freedom in Mobility, the company aims to create an environment in which everyone has unlimited access to safe and convenient transportation.

We are developing a ‘Connected Car Programme’ that links personal cars to other cars, offices, and even the wider urban environment for added security and convenience, under the third pillar of Connected Mobility.