NITI Aayog Asks Two-Wheeler Industry To Work With It, Than Calling Its Electric Vehicle Policy ‘Unrealistic’

Responding to the automotive industry's claims that the NITI Aayog's proposal for transition to electric vehicles (EVs) was unrealistic and ill-timed, the think tank's Vice-chairman, Rajiv Kumar has urged the industry to work with it rather than trying to paint it wrong, reports The Hindu.

Kumar stressed that the policy framework designed by the Aayog was a well-thought-out one, meant to capitalise on the 'sunrise industry'. He also emphasised that the Aayog through its policy was trying to create a policy which will attract resources and investment.

Kumar questioned, "How does one attract investment without declaring a policy?"

The proposed policy aims to ensure that only electric three-wheelers be sold in the country post 31 March 2023. Additionally, all new two-wheelers below 150 cc sold after 31 March 2025, should be electric according to the policy.

Countering the arguments made by industry leaders on heavy investments having been made to transition to BS-VI compliance, Kumar pointed that the figure of Rs 70,000-80,000 crore cited by the industry as the total invested value for the transition has been invested by the four-wheeler industry and not the two-wheeler industry.

Kumar also added, "if investments have been made, then they have five years to fully utilise these investments. Plus, they can continue to export ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles."