PMO Advisor Urges Targeted EV Adoption Strategy

Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), has called for a targeted approach to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in India, urging policymakers to focus on high-utilisation sectors such as mining, ports, and commercial transport instead of following a one-size-fits-all strategy.

Addressing ASSOCHAM National Conference on "Building India an Electric Mobility Hub," Kapoor said India should identify specific sectors and transport corridors where EV adoption can be accelerated with adequate charging infrastructure and supportive government policies.

He noted that electric vehicles can operate efficiently where charging facilities are readily available, making sector-specific electrification a more practical and effective strategy than a uniform nationwide approach.

Kapoor also stressed the importance of reducing the upfront cost of EVs. He suggested that innovative financial models, such as separate battery ownership or third-party battery financing, could make electric vehicles more affordable for both individual buyers and fleet operators.

He further urged large commercial fleet operators to gradually increase the share of electric trucks in their procurement as commercially viable products become available. According to Kapoor, if cost-effective business models are developed, the industry will be more willing to adopt electric trucks at scale.

Highlighting the need to expand electrification beyond government fleets, Kapoor said school buses, employee transportation services, and private bus operators should also be included in India's EV transition. He emphasized that this would require a combination of supportive regulations, financial incentives, and robust charging infrastructure.

Describing electric mobility as a national priority, Kapoor said India should rapidly expand EV deployment in applications where the technology is most suitable. He also encouraged the industry to invest in new products, manufacturing capacity, and innovative business models to accelerate the country's transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation.