India to be world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) maker in 5 years: Minister Nitin Gadkari

THANE: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced on Monday that India is on track to become the world's leading manufacturer of electric vehicles by 2030.
Speaking at an event in the city, where he launched an electric-powered cycle, Gadkari highlighted the promising future of alternative fuel vehicles and expressed confidence in India's growing role in the global market.
“When our government came to power in 2014, I spoke about electric-powered vehicles. At that time, no one believed it, but today it’s a reality,” Gadkari said.
“Back then, the Indian automobile industry was valued at Rs 14 lakh crore. Recently, it has grown to Rs 22 lakh crore, surpassing Japan to become the world’s third-largest automobile market, following the USA and China. Now, we are aiming to be the number one manufacturer of electric-powered vehicles in the world by 2030.”
The minister also spoke about the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, particularly e-cycles, as the cost of lithium-ion batteries continues to fall. He emphasised that ongoing research into battery chemistry and new innovations would further drive demand.
“Currently, some companies are exporting half of their production, and we expect significant demand both nationally and globally,” he added.
Gadkari highlighted the development of parallel infrastructure to support electric vehicles, including dedicated cycle tracks similar to those in some European countries. He believes these tracks will help promote cycling in India.
Addressing the need for alternative fuels, Gadkari pointed out that India spends Rs 22 lakh crore annually on fossil fuel imports. He outlined efforts to produce bio-CNG, bitumen, and aviation fuel from agricultural waste, such as rice straw, which is often burned and contributes to pollution.
“We are working to empower our farmers not only to cultivate crops but also to produce fuel, bitumen, and even bio-aviation fuel from agricultural waste. Around 400 pollution-reduction projects are set to launch, with some already underway,” he said, reiterating the government’s goal of becoming an energy exporter.