India's Drive Towards Green Mobility: Policy Push for Electric Vehicles

The Indian government is vigorously promoting green mobility through various policy measures. According to G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, significant efforts include lower taxes for electric vehicles, encouraging battery manufacturing, and massive tenders for electric buses. The Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India event highlighted initiatives for sustainable mobility and innovation.

The Indian government is intensifying its push for green mobility adoption using every policy tool at its disposal, G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant stated on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) event, Kant revealed multiple policy measures aimed at facilitating a shift towards electric mobility nationwide.

''Current policies tax electric vehicles at just 5 per cent compared to 48 per cent for hybrids, a framework set to continue long-term,'' he said, adding the government is also heavily promoting battery manufacturing.

''Our strategy involves leveraging all available policy levers, including CAFE norms, to push India's electrification in mobility relentlessly,'' Kant added. Missing this shift, he warned, could cost India leadership in EV manufacturing. Following a major tender for 6,000 electric buses, bigger tenders are anticipated to further reduce costs.

MBRDI announced the expansion of its Sustainability Garage initiative to include two new Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and New Delhi, fostering innovation and sustainability.

MBRDI CEO Manu Saale emphasized the Garage's role in driving solutions for global climate, environment, and mobility challenges. Mercedes-Benz board member Renata Jungo Brungger highlighted the company's commitment to societal contributions beyond its core business.

(With inputs from agencies.)