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Greater Noida, Feb. 5 (IANS): With the world’s leading carmakers showcasing their latest electric vehicles (EVs) at the Auto Expo 2020, industry leaders have stressed on their own contribution towards building the EV ecosystem in the country as well as expanding their ‘Make in India’ strategy.
Saying that it has already set up 100 charging stations, Tata Motors has predicted that the charging infrastructure will come of age in the next couple of years.
Committing an investment of approximately Rs 7,000 crore in India in a phased manner, China’s largest SUV manufacturer Great Wall Motors has said that it will expand its research and development centre in Bengaluru. The company is also looking forward to setting up its manufacturing unit in the country.
“The government has already taken a lot of measures to boost the EV ecosystem in India. Before asking the government for something more, ecosystem players like us should start acting,” Shailesh Chandra, President, Electric Mobility Business & Corporate Strategy, Tata Motors, told IANS.
“The government has subsidised EVs by up to 20 per cent. They have also allocated INR 1,000 crore for charging infra, brought down the GST rate to 5 per cent, while a number of state governments have also come up with different schemes,” he added.
At the country’s largest auto exhibition show, Tata Motors showcased the newly-launched Nexon EV -- an electric SUV -- as well as the Altroz EV -- a modern city car. In the commercial vehicles space, the company displayed the Tata 4/12m Low Floor Entry Electric Bus -- the first full-electric drivetrain.
Also on display was the Tata Ultra T.7 Electric, an intermediate commercial electric truck.
“I don’t expect more from the government. Now it’s upon players like us to work on this section and avail the benefits. We believe that electric is the future,” Chandra said.
“After 2-3 years, I can see good infra for EVs and witness more EVs in the market. The buzz of the market is EVs and more players are coming up with such vehicles,” he added.
GWM on Wednesday globally premiered its Haval Concept H and announced the India debut of its concept vehicle -- Vision 2025 Pure Electric SUV. GWM had on display, among other models, Haval: H9, F7, F7x, F5 and the GWM EV: iQ & R1.