With fuel resources showing the red light and fuel prices touching all-time highs, it has indeed struck the government (finally!) that now is the time to switch to a more sustainable, eco-friendly electric option. The Department of Heavy Industries is expected to seek the government’s nod for a Rs. 13000 crore-eight-year long project that would promote electric and hybrid vehicles in the country. The department also plans to lure PSUs and Banks to make credit easier for the purchase of such vehicles.
The project is intended at attracting more private players into the market. The switch will save the government over Rs. 27000 crores over the years on fuel, say estimates. While the western countries like UK, France and Germany give incentives to promote such vehicles, India is only just considering the option. The Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises is presently rumoured to be drafting the NMHEV in consultation with appropriate parties.
Undoubtedly, an option that would not only be more economical but also tremendously eco-beneficial. At present, the Indian automobile scenario has had only the Reva, while the west has had and continues to research on more options and already has a sedan from Tesla, the Sedan S. Let’s hope for once that the Indian Government takes a step that sends our economy surging roof-wards! Fingers crossed.
– Rohit Nair