HT Auto EV Conclave: Ashok Katariya says EVs are future of transportation

Uttar Pradesh transport minister Ashok Katariya, at the HT Auto EV Conclave on Wednesday, said that he aims to see the state as an EV manufacturing and battery hub. "We aim to make Uttar Pradesh an EV manufacturing and battery hub," he said. The state notified its Electric Vehicle manufacturing policy in 2019 to promote manufacturing and adoption of electric vehicles in the state. The state government is encouraging setting up of manufacturing zones and parks for producing EVs and EV batteries, Katariya added.

The state government, under its EV Policy, currently offers 100% tax exemption for electric two-wheelers and around 75% tax exemption for other electric vehicles. Further, exemptions and incentives are being provided on land for first 1,000 EV charging stations. Katariya said that the state has urged various manufacturers to come forward and contribute in development of charging infrastructure in the state.

The minister believes that EVs will be the future of transportation as more and more people start using battery-powered vehicles gradually. "Future is of the EVs. In coming days, these vehicles will be seen in more numbers on the roads as we develop infrastructure for its easier adoption. People will be able to easily use this technology," he added.

The state government is also encouraging usage of battery-powered technology in schools and public transport. He said, "The future of battery-powered vehicles is bright. With the rising cost of petrol and diesel, increasing carbon emissions that are hazardous to health and environmental consciousness among commuters, an era of EVs will definitely come."

As India progresses towards the target set by the Paris Climate Agreement, it is important for each state to contribute in the journey by reducing carbon emissions and moving away from fossil fuels, among other things. One of the most effective ways of reducing emissions is by putting more and more electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. To encourage masses to adopt electric vehicles, at least 13 Indian states have either notified or rolled out policies offering exemptions, incentives or subsidies.