"With these reserves, the cost of lithium-ion batteries is expected to come down substantially, enabling a faster transition to EVs," Gadkari remarked.India's electric vehicle (EV) industry is set to revolutionise country's transportation sector, creating approximately 4 crore jobs by 2030, Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari said at a workshop on "Management of fire accidents in electric vehicles" at National Fire Service College (NFSC) on Saturday. Highlighting India's position as a global player, he noted that the 6% of world's lithium reserves are found in Jammu which will significantly contribute to the production of 60 crore lithium-ion batteries, making EVs more affordable.
"With these reserves, the cost of lithium-ion batteries is expected to come down substantially, enabling a faster transition to EVs," Gadkari remarked.
Gadkari acknowledged that 30 fire incidents in electric two-wheelers over the last three years impacted consumer trust. However, he emphasised that collaborative research by Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Institute of Technology resulted in improved safety standards. "The Automotive Industries Standard has now made fire detection alarms mandatory in electric buses, ensuring safer travel," he said.
Gadkari also said Union transport ministry introduced mandatory EV battery waste management rules in 2022, requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for the recovery and recycling of used batteries.
Highlighting India's multi-pronged approach to clean energy, Gadkari said, "The future belongs to hydrogen, ethanol, CNG, and electric fuels, which are not only cost-effective but also pollution-free." He added that 400 bio-CNG production projects have been approved, with 60 already operational, including a notable bio-CNG project from rice husk in Bhandara district.
Sharing data on EV adoption, Gadkari revealed that 30 lakh electric vehicles have been registered so far, with a 45% increase in sales in 2023-24. Electric vehicles now account for 6.4% of market share, and electric two-wheelers constitute 56% of these sales. "By 2025, hybrid and electric vehicles will dominate market with an estimated share of over 8%," he stated, highlighting the role of 400 EV startups in driving innovation and job creation in the sector.
The workshop featured prominent speakers including director general, fire services, civil defence & home guards Vivek Srivastava, NFSC director NB Shingane, and MVL chief engineer Kiran Chandra Sharma. Attendees also included Bollywood actor Pratik Gandhi, brand ambassador for fire safety, and Rahul Dholakia, director of the film Agni, based on fire fighting.
