The Indian government is planning to implement new policies with regard to the development and use of the electric vehicles in India as part of the Budget 2012-13. Many would see it as a welcome move in light of the rising fuel prices. The policies would include various tax benefits for the consumers who buy electric or hybrid vehicles apart from incentivizing the production of such vehicles for car manufacturers.
The new policies are also expected to enhance the business potential and opportunities for the manufacturers to encourage infrastructure development and support for the electric vehicles. Mr. Chetan Maini Chief of Technology and Strategy at Mahindra Reva hold electric vehicles to be the solution for urban personal transport and an alternative to high priced fuel and pollution. Mahindra Reva is currently the only manufacturer of all-electric four-wheeler in India.
Now that the government’s outlook for the introduction of electric vehicles in India seems favorable, many automobile manufacturers in India are eyeing the segment and have voiced their inclination to launch their electric vehicles in the Indian car market. These include Nissan, General Motors and Toyota.
According to industry experts however, for the successful introduction and use of electric vehicles in India, immense support is required on part of the government in terms of setting up the infrastructure especially with regards to the availability of charging stations for the vehicles.