EV Initiatives Unveiled
The Union Minister of Heavy Industries, H. D. Kumaraswamy, highlighted the government's decisive steps in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles.
The FAME-II scheme, with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore, played a significant role by supporting the adoption of over 16.71 lakh electric vehicles across India. Moreover, the scheme enabled the sanctioning of more than 9,000 public charging stations throughout the country, facilitating easier access to charging infrastructure for EV users. The minister also emphasized the significance of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which is allocated ₹2,000 crore for establishing over 70,000 charging stations. This strategic initiative underscores the government's commitment to creating a robust and accessible charging network nationwide, which would encourage EV adoption and support sustainable mobility.
SIAT 2026: A Milestone
The 19th edition of the Symposium on International Automotive Technology (SIAT 2026), a flagship biennial event by The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), was inaugurated. This year's SIAT, held at the Pune International Exhibition and Convention Centre (PIECC) in Moshi, coincided with ARAI’s Diamond Jubilee Year. The event brought together global leaders, researchers, and policymakers under the theme “Innovative Pathways for Safe and Sustainable Mobility.” During the inauguration, the Global Automotive Safety Regulations Book, SIAT 2026 Proceedings, and Technical Reference Papers published by ARAI were also launched. These publications are intended to contribute to the advancement of automotive technology and safety standards within the industry. The conference was held until Friday, January 30, 2026.
PLI and Advanced Cells
Kumaraswamy also highlighted the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Auto scheme, which has an outlay of ₹25,938 crore, to promote domestic value addition and enhance global competitiveness. Another critical aspect discussed was the PLI-ACC scheme, aimed at establishing a 50 GWh capacity for Advanced Chemistry Cell battery manufacturing in India. This scheme supports the long-term energy security and resilience of the nation, with an emphasis on local manufacturing capabilities. The recently approved Rare Earth Permanent Magnet (REPM) scheme, with a budgetary outlay of ₹7,280 crore, was also mentioned. This scheme will promote indigenous manufacturing of critical components for electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems, and electronics, supporting a more self-reliant and technologically advanced automotive industry.
Industry Performance and Growth
Shri Kumaraswamy presented industry performance figures, highlighting the strong growth in the automotive sector. Vehicle production increased from 28.4 million units in FY 2023-24 to 31 million units in FY 2024-25, showing a substantial rise in output. Exports also saw a positive trend, increasing from 4.5 million units to 5.36 million units during the same period, indicating the rising global demand for Indian-made vehicles. India's global standing in the automotive market is also improving. It is now the world’s largest producer of three‑wheelers, among the top two in two‑wheelers, top four in passenger vehicles, and top five in commercial vehicles, highlighting its growing influence on the world stage.
Commercial Vehicle Electrification
The electrification of commercial vehicles was another critical point of discussion. The minister emphasized that this segment deserves special focus, as these vehicles contribute to more than 40 percent of transport-related pollution. The focus on the commercial vehicle segment indicates a commitment to reduce emissions and promote sustainable transportation practices. The PM E-DRIVE scheme, with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore, has also strengthened EV adoption through demand incentives and expanded charging infrastructure. More than 20 lakh electric vehicles have been sold under this scheme. The government’s renewed focus on ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives will strengthen advanced manufacturing sectors, crucial for India’s future growth and global standing.
