Auto industry to conduct study on EV migration, to discuss with govt

The auto industry will conduct a study through an external agency for a road map towards electric mobility amid push from Niti Aayog for transition to full electric vehicles (EVs) for three-wheelers by 2023 and two-wheelers up to 150cc by 2025, according to sources.

Last month at a meeting with industry representatives, Niti Aayog had asked the industry to come back within two weeks with concrete steps towards the transition but manufacturers had stated they would need a minimum of four months to work on the same.

Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor Co and Honda MotorCycle and Scooter India (HMSI) have opposed Niti Aayog's plan to push for 100 per cent electric vehicles by completely banning conventional two- and three-wheelers.

Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran had also stated that migration to EVs needs to be planned to ensure entire ecosystem is ready through a multi-year road map.

When asked about the next step, a senior government official said, "They (auto industry) are getting a study done and will discuss with the government."