India is going to be the top battery manufacturing hub

Union Minister of Heavy Industries, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, stated at the "Green Plate EV Rally" hosted at Pragati Maidan that India is preparing to become a major battery production hub in the approaching years.

Over 100 electric vehicles, including 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers, sedans, and buses, were on show at the event, which the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Ministry of Heavy Industries jointly organised. It was created with the intention of shedding light on how the nation's automotive industry has developed in response to Indian consumers' needs for electric vehicles.

The minister said: "The government has consistently supported the development of EVs in the nation. We are moving closer to reduced dependence and self-reliance thanks to the 9.4 lakh electric vehicles (EVs) now on Indian roads and the results of the PLI plan in battery development". In addition, Pandey mentioned the finding of lithium resources in Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting attempts to improve India's position as a worldwide competitor.

At the same event, Kamran Rizvi, Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, stated that the nation's transition to EVs, supported by FAME and PLI schemes, has been greatly aided by the Indian vehicle sector. "The public's growing preference for EVs is evident", Rizvi said, citing estimates that 12 lakh scooters will be sold this year.

Regarding India's current shift to e-mobility, Vinod Aggarwal, President of SIAM, shared similar comments and emphasised the need for strengthened policy and infrastructure assistance. The Ministry of Heavy Industries' Joint Secretary, Dr. Hanif Qureshi, commented on the rally's significance for EV awareness. "While Europe, the US, and China currently lead in EV sales," he said, "it's essential for India to achieve comparable numbers".

Senior representatives from the car industry attended the ceremony, where participating firms were honoured for their achievements. SIAM also used the occasion to congratulate Vice-Captain of the Indian Women's Kabaddi Team Priyanka Pilaniya for her recent success at the 19th Asian Games 2023.