Introduction
Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO and G20 Sherpa, has called for an accelerated adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, stressing the need for bold action to position the country as a global leader in green mobility. Speaking at the Green Bharat Summit in New Delhi, Kant shared his personal commitment to EVs and urged Indians to embrace the transition to electric mobility.
Personal Advocacy for EVs
Kant revealed that his official vehicle used to be the Tata Nexon EV, and he plans to purchase the upcoming Mahindra EV and Tata Harrier EV. “I will buy one after the other,” he said, demonstrating his strong belief in the potential of EVs.
Fossil Fuels: A Technology of the Past
Kant declared that the era of fossil fuel-driven vehicles is over. He encouraged Indians to adopt EVs, even if it meant taking loans to make the purchase, stating, “Every single Indian who can afford it should help catalyse the sector.”
Mandatory EVs for Government and Corporate Fleets
The former NITI Aayog CEO urged the government to take a proactive role in accelerating EV adoption by mandating that all corporate and government fleets transition to electric vehicles. He criticized the use of fossil fuel vehicles in government procurement, emphasizing that official cars should exclusively be electric.
India’s EV Goals and Global Comparison
Kant pointed out that India significantly lags behind other nations in EV adoption. With only 2% EV penetration compared to China’s 50% and Europe’s 10%, Kant emphasized the urgency of achieving ambitious targets—60% EV penetration by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
Call for Bold and Immediate Action
Kant called for decisive measures from both the government and the private sector to elevate India’s position in the global EV market. He highlighted the potential of a robust EV industry to revolutionize India’s transportation sector, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Amitabh Kant’s advocacy reflects the urgency of transitioning to electric vehicles to meet global standards and ensure a sustainable future. His personal example, coupled with his call for systemic change, underscores the need for India to take bold steps to become a leader in the EV revolution.
