Key Points

India is taking a big step forward in promoting electric vehicle manufacturing with a new scheme announced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the initiative aims to establish India as a global hub for electric vehicle production, contributing to the country's net zero goals by 2070. The scheme incentivizes both domestic and international businesses with reduced customs duties and significant investment opportunities. By aligning with the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, it promises to boost green mobility and sustainable growth in the automotive industry.

Key Points: Modi Drives India's Electric Car Manufacturing Push with New Scheme

  • Scheme promotes electric car manufacturing in India
  • Aligns with Modi's net zero vision
  • Customs duty benefits for global manufacturers
3 min read

Government notifies guidelines for scheme to promote manufacturing of electric passenger cars in India

India unveils a scheme under Modi to boost domestic electric car production, targeting net zero by 2070.

"This landmark initiative aligns with India's national goals of achieving Net Zero by 2070. - H D Kumaraswamy, Union Minister"

New Delhi, June 2

The Government of India, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a forward-looking scheme to promote the domestic manufacture of passenger cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles (EVs), said a statement from Ministry of Heavy Industries on Monday.

This landmark initiative is aligned with India's national goals of achieving net zero by 2070, fostering sustainable mobility, driving economic growth, and reducing environmental impact. It is designed to firmly establish India as a premier global destination for automotive manufacturing and innovation.

Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has issuedNotification regarding detailed guidelines for the "Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India" (SPMEPCI / the Scheme)MHI had issued the Scheme notification on 15th March 2024.

The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance had also issued the notificationon 15th March 2024 for reduced import duties in line with the provisions of the Scheme. The Notice for inviting applications under the Scheme is proposed to be notified shortly, whereby the prospective applicants would be able to submit online applications.

The Schemeshall help toattract investments from global EV manufacturers and promote India as a manufacturing destination for e-vehicles. The Scheme will also help put India on the global map for manufacturing of EVs, generate employment and achieve the goal of "Make in India".

To encourage the global manufacturers to invest under the Scheme, the approved applicants will be allowed to import Completely Built-in Units (CBUs) of e-4W with a minimum CIF value of USD 35,000 at reduced customs duty of 15 per cent for a period of 5 years from the Application Approval Date.

Approved applicants would be required to make minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore in line with the provisions of the scheme.

During the press conference, Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy said, "Under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, the Ministry of Heavy Industries has approved a forward-looking scheme to promote the domestic manufacture of passenger cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles. This landmark initiative aligns with India's national goals of achieving Net Zero by 2070, fostering sustainable mobility, driving economic growth, and reducing environmental impact. It is designed to firmly establish India as a premier global destination for automotive manufacturing and innovation."

"The scheme is strategically crafted to position India as a global hub for electric vehicle manufacturing. With a minimum investment threshold of Rs 4,150 crore, it provides an enabling policy environment for leading global and domestic players to establish long-term manufacturing footprints in the country. Through calibrated customs duty concessions and clearly defined domestic value addition (DVA) milestones, the scheme strikes a balance between introducing cutting-edge EV technologies and nurturing indigenous capabilities," he added.

"By mandating domestic value addition targets the scheme will further boost the 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives, while empowering both global and domestic companies to become active partners in India's green mobility revolution," said Kumaraswamy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great initiative! But I hope the government ensures proper charging infrastructure first. What's the point of manufacturing EVs if we don't have enough charging stations? Our cities need massive upgrades to support this transition. Still, a step in the right direction 👍
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Priya M.
As someone working in auto sector, this scheme could create thousands of jobs! But ₹4150 crore minimum investment seems too high - will Indian startups get any special provisions? We need to nurture homegrown EV companies too, not just attract foreign players.
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Arjun S.
Finally some concrete action on EVs! Though 2070 net zero target seems too far away. China is already leading in this sector - we need to move faster. Hope this scheme brings Tesla and other big players to India. Our youth deserve these high-tech manufacturing jobs.
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Sunita R.
Good policy but implementation is key. Remember the FAME subsidy issues? Government must ensure transparency in approvals. Also, what about battery recycling plans? We can't solve pollution problem by creating new e-waste problems. Need holistic approach.
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Vikram J.
Reducing import duty is good for attracting investment, but hope there are strict local manufacturing requirements. We shouldn't become just an assembly hub for foreign companies. 'Make in India' should mean real manufacturing, not just screwdriver technology!
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Neha P.
Exciting news! But when will we see affordable EVs for middle class? Most electric cars today are luxury items. Hope this scheme leads to ₹10-15 lakh EVs with good range. Also need better financing options - EMI should be comparable to petrol cars.

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