11.09.201703:57:00UTC+00India Auto Industry Prepares for Government’s Aggressive Push on Vehicles

India's push to electrify all new vehicles by 2030 is obliging auto part manufacturers and carmakers to outline early plans for electrification, company executives said.

According to a government official, a new auto policy will include a roadmap for electric vehicles and will likely be made public before year-end.

India's road transport minister Nitin Gadkari recently called for companies to begin building electric and alternative fuel vehicles or risk being overtaken by policy changes.

“Don't get confused about policy and rules, foray into electric bikes, buses and cars. I won't seek your suggestions over this. You have to diversify,” Gadkari said.

Engine-maker Cummins India is currently investing in research on electric mobility solutions for the country. Hyundai Motor Co has also started negotiations with some of its suppliers for components for electric cars, company executives said.

Electric vehicles are expensive because of the high cost of batteries that are not manufactured in India as of the moment, and automakers claim a lack of charging stations might make the whole proposition unfeasible.

According to industry data, electric sales in the country are slim compared with annual sales of more than three million petrol and diesel cars last fiscal year.