PM asks auto industry to adopt electric technology fast

Advocates efforts on reducing dependence on imported oil and supplement efforts for greener transport system

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked vehicle manufacturers to adopt electric technologies fast in order to reduce dependence on imported oil and supplement efforts for a greener transport system.

"It is important that we make efforts for reducing the transport sector's dependence on oil. One of the ways in which this can be achieved is by faster adoption of the full range of electric vehicle technologies, including hybrid vehicles," he said after unveiling the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 here.

The mission involves a total investment of over Rs 23,000 crore which would be equally shared by the government and the auto industry.

The Prime Minister said India's transport sector consumes a large amount of energy. Over 80% of the country's requirement of petroleum products is met through imports.

"This dependence on imports is likely to increase further. High international prices of oil contribute significantly to India's import bill, to our trade deficit and, I dare say in a world of rising petroleum prices, to inflation, thus putting a big strain on our economy," Singh said.

As per the ambitious National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, 6-7 million electric vehicles along with resultant liquid fuel savings of 2.2-2.5 million tonnes can be achieved in 2020.

"This [mission] is an important milestone in our country's efforts for a cleaner and greener transport system for the future," Singh said.

Besides, he asked the automotive industry to make all possible efforts to develop capabilities in the area of electric mobility.

At present, the production of electric and hybrid vehicles is negligible in the country.