Manmohan Singh Fancies Electric Cars

Updated: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 14:53 [IST]

Most countries are adopting a greener transport system. However when it comes to India we are still dependant on importing oil. With skyrocketing petrol prices and proposed diesel price hike most customers are looking at electric cars. However does India have sufficient electric technologies to support a green transport system?

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has popped the question to manufacturers as to when they are going to adopt Electric technologies? For the moment apart from Mahindra's Reva electrifying the roads, the production of electric cars and hybrid vehicles is negligible in the country.

Manmohan Singh was heard commenting during the unveiling of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 that India should promote the usage of electric and hybrid cars in the coming days and reduce the transport sector's dependence on oil.

The Mobility Mission Plan 2020 brings forward an investment of INR 23,000 crores which will be equally shared by the government and the auto industry. This Mission is important for India. Let's keep in mind over 80% of the country's requirement of petroleum products is met through imports. If the Mobility Mission goes as per plan then India is said to roll-out 6-7 million electric vehicles along with resultant liquid fuel savings of 2.2-2.5 million tonnes by 2020.

Stay tuned as Drivespark keeps a track on all the latest developments on the greener transport system for the future.