Kumaraswamy holds talks with electric two-wheeler makers
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy met leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers to discuss strengthening India's EV ecosystem, with industry leaders seeking an extension of the PM E-DRIVE scheme and revisions to the PLI Auto Scheme to boost domestic manufacturing, innovation, and exports.
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Saturday chaired a meeting of leading electric two-wheeler manufacturers and held wide-ranging discussions on strengthening indigenous manufacturing, officials said.
The discussions focused on building a robust, innovation-driven and globally competitive electric mobility ecosystem in the country, they added.
During the interaction, the manufacturers briefed the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel on their journey in developing homegrown electric mobility platforms and technologies, they said.
"They highlighted their focus on indigenous engineering, product development and domestic manufacturing capabilities, and shared their vision for positioning India as a major global manufacturing hub for electric two-wheelers," a statement from the Minister's office said.
The participants also briefed Kumaraswamy on the evolving requirements of the electric two-wheeler industry and the need for continued policy support.
They shared their views on incentives for the sector and measures that could help Indian manufacturers scale up production and strengthen their presence in domestic and export markets, it said.
The manufacturers presented their views on the 'PM E-DRIVE Scheme' and sought its extension, while also discussing the need for revision of the 'PLI (Production Linked Incentive) Auto Scheme' in line with the evolving requirements of the industry, officials said.
The PM E-DRIVE framework includes support for the electric two-wheeler segment as part of the government's wider clean mobility push, they said.
Responding to the industry representatives, Kumaraswamy assured them that the Ministry of Heavy Industries would extend all possible support.
The Union minister said the government remained committed to building an ecosystem that enables Indian manufacturers to innovate, scale and compete globally, while contributing to the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
Kumaraswamy underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's national goal of achieving 'Net Zero by 2070', stressing that the transition towards clean mobility and the growth of indigenous electric vehicle manufacturing would play an important role in realising this vision.
Tarun Mehta, Co-Founder and CEO of Ather Energy; Mohal Lalbhai, Founder and CEO of Matter; Aravind Mani, Co-Founder and CEO of River; Saurav Kumar, Founder and CEO of Euler Motors; and Dinesh Arjun, Co-Founder and CEO of Raptee.HV were among the participants, the statement added.