Launched as a pilot program initially supported by the Minister of Commerce & Industry as one of the promising logistic interventions and later aligned with the Ministry of Power upon issuance of guidelines, NHEV’s genesis lies in the recognition that widespread EV adoption hinges on robust, reliable intercity infrastructure, says Abhijeet Sinha, Project Director – National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) in an interview with Evolution Auto India.
Q: Please describe the genesis of the National Highway for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) project and the larger vision behind it.
Abhijeet Sinha: The National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) project was conceived to counter of crisis of non-profitability of EV infrastructure and long gestation of investment in decarbonization of surface transport; as a transformative step to address India’s urgent need for sustainable, long-distance green mobility. Launched as a pilot program initially supported by the Minister of Commerce & Industry as one of the promising logistic interventions and later aligned with the Ministry of Power upon issuance of guidelines, NHEV’s genesis lies in the recognition that widespread EV adoption hinges on robust, reliable intercity infrastructure. The project began with the vision of converting key routes into “E-Highways”—dedicated corridors equipped with cutting-edge 3G energy &charging stations, battery swapping facilities, and RSA support services.
NHEV’s larger vision is to make electric vehicle travel as seamless as conventional fuel vehicles, thereby reducing range anxiety and promoting clean mobility at scale. The project uses the innovative Annuity Hybrid E-Mobility (AHEM) model, a hybrid PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) financing mechanism that ensures viability, bankability and profitability of EV infra-assets and projects. By integrating advanced technology, digital solutions, and circular economy principles, NHEV sets Indian E-highway upgradation on the highest global benchmark of sustainability through assetization, utilisation and monetisation of assets catalysing India’s transition from fossil fuels.
Q: What have been the key milestones for NHEV so far, and how have they shaped the narrative around EV adoption in India?
Abhijeet Sinha: NHEV’s journey is marked by several significant milestones that have directly influenced India’s EV landscape. The successful completion of pilot tech trials on the Delhi-Agra (Yamuna Expressway, 2020), Delhi-Jaipur (NH48, 2022), and Chennai-Trichy (NH 179B, 2024) corridors—covering over 830 km—demonstrated the viability of long-distance EV travel. These pilots proved that range anxiety could be effectively addressed by placing charging stations every 60 km and by integrating rapid charging, battery swapping, and hospitality services at key points. The unveiling of India’s largest charging stations in Gurugram set new standards for scale and service, offering 60 kW and 120 kW chargers, logistics hubs, and multi-modal connectivity. Financial innovation through the adoption of the AHEM model has made EV infrastructure bankable and attractive for private investment, ensuring both scalability and financial sustainability. Streamlined approvals, such as collaborations with state agencies like BESCOM for single-window clearances, have accelerated project implementation and created a precedent for other states to follow. Now, NHEV is expanding to 5,500 km of E-Highways, with a total project investment of around INR 5,000 crore, making it one of the largest such initiatives in India. These milestones have shifted the narrative from skepticism to optimism, demonstrating that with the right infrastructure and policy support, India can lead in clean mobility. As a result, both public and investor confidence in EV adoption has grown significantly.
Q: How does NHEV align with India’s broader sustainability and decarbonization goals under missions like FAME and Net Zero 2070?
Abhijeet Sinha: NHEV is a direct enabler of India’s decarbonization ambitions by building a dense, reliable green energy dispensing network for EV charging. But NHEV is focused on making electric mobility profitable, hence it doesn’t support any subsidy program like FAME; rather, it’s focused on attracting private capital in PPP mode to accelerate the Faster Adoption of EVs to accelerate green transition and reduce vehicular emissions. The project has a defined timeline and roadmap for the third-generation energy station transitional spectrum from fossil fuel towards integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, further aligning with the National Hydrogen Mission and the Net Zero 2070 commitment.
Q: What policy changes or incentives do you believe would accelerate EV adoption in India?
Abhijeet Sinha: To accelerate EV adoption, a multi-pronged policy approach is essential. Sustained financial incentives—such as continued central and state subsidies for EV buyers and manufacturers, along with production-linked incentives for domestic manufacturing of batteries and components—are crucial for driving demand and building local capacity. Accessible financing, including low-cost loans and credit facilities for both vehicles and charging infrastructure, especially through NBFCs and local banks, can further lower the barriers to entry. Regulatory streamlining, with single-window clearances for approvals, harmonised technical standards, and digitised processes for all EV-related registrations and agreements, will simplify and speed up project implementation. At the state level, support in the form of incentives like land banks, power permissions, and local tax breaks can catalyse the rollout of charging and battery-swapping infrastructure. Additionally, mandating digital registration of all EV transactions and agreements will enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and build greater trust in the ecosystem. Collectively, these measures will make EV ownership and investment more attractive while ensuring the ecosystem remains robust, transparent, and conducive to rapid growth.
Q: With your deep involvement in building the foundational infrastructure for electric mobility, where do you see India’s EV charging landscape by 2030—both in terms of scale and innovation?
Abhijeet Sinha: By 2030, India’s EV charging landscape is poised to be one of the most extensive and innovative globally. Charging stations will be available every 50–60 km along major highways, ensuring seamless intercity travel. Urban centres will feature multi-modal hubs that offer fast charging, battery swapping, logistics support, and hospitality services.
Most stations will be powered by renewable energy sources, contributing to both sustainability and energy security. Digital platforms will enable real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and seamless payments, while financial models like AHEM will ensure rapid, scalable expansion. India’s charging infrastructure will not only support passenger vehicles but also commercial fleets, buses, and logistics, making electric mobility accessible to all segments of society.
Q: Do you foresee AI, IoT, or digital twin technology playing a role in the EV ecosystem?
Abhijeet Sinha: Absolutely! AI will be instrumental in optimizing charging station placement, energy management, and predictive maintenance, ensuring maximum efficiency and uptime. IoT will enable real-time data collection on vehicle and charger performance, user analytics, and remote diagnostics, greatly enhancing operational efficiency and user experience. Digital twin technology will allow for advanced simulation and scenario planning, helping policymakers and operators make data-driven decisions and optimize infrastructure deployment. These technologies will collectively make the EV ecosystem smarter, more responsive, and resilient to future challenges. Just as trains, metros, and trams have long been part of connected mobility, vehicles are now joining this ecosystem—enabled by real-time tracking, seamless payments, and robust physical and digital infrastructure. With India’s 500 km pilot on the National Highway for Electric Vehicles (NHEV), we are laying the foundation for a future where every vehicle, user, and operator is part of an integrated V2X network, making mobility smarter, faster, and more secure. Govt wish to pilot this prototype to upgrade 5,500 km routes in E-Highways, accelerating the adoption of connected electric mobility nationwide. Automatic payments for tolls, parking, and charging are done seamlessly, enabled by real-time validation, identity authorization, and transaction processing with minimal delay.
Q: What is your long-term roadmap—do you envision an all-electric Golden Quadrilateral or integration with neighbouring countries’ highway networks?
Abhijeet Sinha: The long-term roadmap for NHEV is ambitious and forward-looking. Electrifying the entire Golden Quadrilateral and major national corridors is a central goal, enabling all-electric travel between India’s largest cities and economic hubs. Beyond national borders, there is a vision to integrate India’s E-Highway network with neighbouring countries, facilitating seamless regional trade and cross-border mobility.
Additionally, NHEV aims to build circular economy hubs around charging stations, creating employment and economic opportunities, especially in rural areas. By integrating renewable energy and advanced digital solutions, the model can be replicated nationwide and potentially across South Asia, positioning India as a global leader in sustainable mobility and green infrastructure. Indian entities, PSUs and companies have also extended co-operation for two major international economic corridors, first Bhutan-Bodoland-Bay of Bengal (B3) and the second Hili – Mahendraganj Corridor (Meghalaya), where NHIDCL & Indian Railways have already conducted surveys and submitted their feasibility report. NHEV aim to develop their standards as multimodal and multifuel corridors