As the world grapples with the pressing need to address climate change, September 9, marking World EV Day, serves as a crucial reminder of the role electric vehicles (EVs) play in creating a sustainable future. Thanks to the advancements in battery technology, increased range, and expanding charging infrastructure, EVs are becoming more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. At a time when automakers worldwide are investing heavily in electric technology and producing a diverse array of models catering to various needs, India aims for 30 percent of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Fuelled by government incentives and technological advancements, the Indian EV market is experiencing rapid growth. According to IBEF, Petrol vehicle sales decreased significantly from 86 percent in 2020 to 76 percent in 2023 while alternative fuel-driven vehicle sales surged by over 400 percent in CY 2023. The projections show that EV sales in the country are expected to rise 66 per cent this year after nearly doubling in 2023.
As we celebrate World EV Day, it’s a moment to reflect on the strides we have made and the work still needed to achieve a sustainable and cleaner future.
Talking about the progress, Samarth Kholkar, CEO & Co-founder of BLive says, “On World EV Day, let’s recognize the transformative power of innovation leading us toward a cleaner, greener future. Electric vehicles aren’t just the future—they’re already here. These vehicles symbolize more than just technological advancement; they reflect our dedication to a sustainable world. Today, we celebrate the strides made and look forward to an even cleaner tomorrow. World EV Day serves as a reminder that every step toward electric mobility is a step toward a healthier planet. Together, we continue to push the limits of what’s achievable. As we observe World EV Day, it’s clear the future of transportation is electric. We’re collectively driving change for the better, marking the day by celebrating the innovation and commitment fueling each electric vehicle on the road. Let’s continue accelerating toward a zero-emission future.”
Indian electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are making substantial strides in expanding their operations. This growth reflects India’s increasing commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a greener economy.
Talking about the progress of his company, Kunal Arya, Co-Founder and Managing Director of ZELIO Ebikes says, “In celebration of World EV Day 2024, ZELIO Ebikes reaffirms its commitment to advancing electric mobility and environmental sustainability. Since we entered the market in 2021, we have been dedicated to developing innovative electric two-wheelers that combine cutting-edge technology with practical design. Our e-scooters, known for their durability, stylish aesthetics, and impressive mileage, are a testament to our mission of promoting eco-friendly transportation solutions. With over 200,000 satisfied riders and a network of more than 100 dealers nationwide, ZELIO Ebikes continues to lead the charge in transforming urban mobility. Our focus on research and development ensures that we deliver industry-leading products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. On this special day, we celebrate our achievements and remain committed to driving progress toward a greener, more sustainable future.”
Indian EV manufacturers are not only increasing production but also investing heavily in market expansion. Talking about it, GT FORCE Co-founder and CEO Mukesh Taneja, says, “GT Force reaffirms its commitment to accelerating the transition to sustainable mobility in India. With a daily production capacity of 250 units at our Manesar plant and a rapidly expanding network of 100 showrooms planned by the end of 2024, we are dedicated to making electric mobility accessible and affordable across the country. The electric vehicle revolution is not just a technological shift but a critical step towards a cleaner, greener future. At GT Force, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement, offering innovative and cost-effective electric two-wheelers that cater to the diverse needs of the Indian market. Our focus on local manufacturing, rigorous safety standards, and continuous technological advancements reflect our dedication to delivering reliable and eco-friendly transportation solutions. We believe that through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for a sustainable future, we can drive meaningful change in the industry and beyond.”
Chakravarthi C., Managing Director at Quantum Energy adds, “Quantum Energy proudly reflects on our remarkable achievements, including surpassing 10,000 vehicle roll out in just two years and advancing to a top 10 position among India’s electric two-wheeler brands. Our rapid growth is a direct result of our unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. From our pioneering efforts in developing solution focused electric scooters to establishing a robust network across 11 states and 2 union territories with 60+ Dealerships and 108 touchpoints, we have consistently delivered exceptional value. Our strategic partnerships with leading battery technology firms and our expansion into diverse market segments, including cargo and fleet solutions, highlight our role in transforming and charting India’s E-mobility landscape. As we celebrate this global milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to driving the electric vehicle revolution forward, making sustainable transportation more accessible, and contributing to a cleaner, greener future for all.”
The expansion of Indian electric vehicle manufacturers signifies a pivotal shift towards sustainable transportation in the country. With continued investment, innovation, and government support, India is poised to become a significant player in the global EV market.
“World EV Day is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the exciting future that lies ahead in green mobility. India is poised to lead the world in electric vehicle innovation, driven by our strides toward ‘atmanirbhar’ design, engineering, and supply chain excellence. This day celebrates India’s growing prowess in creating world-class EVs that set new standards in performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
At TVS Motor Company, we are proud to be at the forefront of this global shift. Our extensive expertise in the EV ecosystem, spanning battery manufacturing, advanced management systems, and innovative technology, positions us uniquely to drive this transformation. TVS iQube and TVS X embody our commitment to blending cutting-edge innovation with superior engineering.
Support from government initiatives such as FAME and EMPS is vital in fostering the EV sector’s growth. Coupled with the expanding charging infrastructure and strategic global reach, India is ready to emerge as a leading hub for electric two-wheeler exports. Together with our industry peers, we are shaping a future where electric vehicles redefine transportation and cement India’s leadership in the global mobility revolution,” said Manu Saxena, Senior Vice President, EV Business, TVS Motor Company.
Aditya Singh Ratnu, CEO & CoFounder of ZEVO said, “World EV Day is a strong reminder of our pledge to the world for greener transport and the future of mobility. As the world races toward eco-friendly alternatives, electric vehicles have come to represent a paradigm shift in how we think about energy, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. It celebrates the progress that has been made in EV technology, in building infrastructure for them, and their adoption while mentioning some of the challenges yet to be tackled, like expanding charging networks, reducing battery costs, and enhancing range.
The rapid growth in EV sales worldwide is testimony to the joint will of governments, manufacturers, and consumers towards reducing carbon footprints and fighting climate change. The future of transportation is electric, and every innovation, policy change, and consumer decision brings us closer to a cleaner, greener planet. So let us, on the occasion of World EV Day, reaffirm our commitment toward fostering innovation, creating enabling policies, and promoting the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles. We can together drive this change and light up a brighter path for future generations toward a better and more sustainable future.”
As Indian manufacturers accelerate their operations, they are not only contributing to the country’s environmental goals but also creating a dynamic and competitive industry that is set to influence the future of mobility.
Joining the ‘World EV Day’ movement, Samkit Shah, Co-Founder of Jitendra EV says, “Electric Vehicle (EV) Day is a global event dedicated to promoting the adoption and benefits of electric vehicles. Held annually, it serves as a platform to raise awareness about the environmental and economic advantages of transitioning from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs. During EV Day, various activities take place, including educational seminars, test drives, and showcases of the latest EV technologies. The event aims to highlight how electric vehicles contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and advancing sustainable transportation. By engaging the public and industry stakeholders, EV Day fosters a greater understanding of the role EVs play in creating a cleaner, greener future.”
While India’s India’s EV market is on a rapid growth trajectory, issues such as high battery costs, limited range, and the need for further infrastructure development must be addressed. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. Recently, the Union Budget 2024-25 proposed to set up a Critical Mineral Mission for domestic production, recycling of critical minerals, and overseas acquisition of critical mineral assets. Utkarsh Singh, Co-Founder & CEO of Batx Energies says, “Energy materials, particularly those critical for renewable energy technologies and battery storage, play a key role in enhancing India’s national energy security. As the country shifts towards sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, and electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and other critical elements is increasing. These materials are essential for manufacturing batteries, solar panels, and wind turbines, which are pivotal in reducing India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
By focusing on domestic sourcing and the recycling of these critical energy materials, India can significantly reduce its dependence on foreign imports, particularly from countries that dominate the global supply chains for these resources. BatX Energies, for instance, is helping address this issue by developing advanced battery recycling technologies that recover valuable materials from used batteries. This creates a closed-loop system for these essential components, enhancing India’s self-reliance and ensuring a steady supply of energy materials while aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
Additionally, the development of a robust domestic energy materials supply chain will reduce vulnerabilities to global price fluctuations and geopolitical risks associated with importing fossil fuels. By securing these resources domestically, India can move towards energy independence while supporting its clean energy transition and long-term sustainability goals.
For India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector, this focus on domestic energy materials and recycling is a game-changer. The EV industry depends heavily on the availability of lithium, cobalt, and nickel for battery production. With a reliable domestic supply, India can accelerate EV manufacturing, reduce costs, and make EVs more accessible to the public. Moreover, recycling used EV batteries will not only ensure a sustainable source of critical materials but also minimize environmental impacts. This will further drive the adoption of EVs, reduce carbon emissions, and align with India’s goals of creating a greener, cleaner transportation system.”
Deepak Pahwa, Chairman of Pahwa Group and Managing Director of Bry-Air added, “The Indian EV industry is bolstering at a rapid rate, marching towards the unified goal of becoming a net-zero country by 2070. Even Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari mirrored the same thoughts recently, conveying that EV has created a demand for itself in the market where it can progress without the support of government subsidies. Projecting a positive landscape, it indicates the large number of opportunities that still remains to be tabbed by the industry.
It is time that the industry focuses on upscaling the offering with innovative technologies. Along similar lines, efforts should be made towards minimizing the carbon footprint throughout the supply chain of the vehicles. Pioneering in Li-ion battery technology with energy-efficient and sustainable solutions can significantly contribute to reducing the pressure on the environment. Incorporating NMP recovery can be a great way to eliminate harmful VOCs gases produced at the time of battery manufacturing. It comes in handy for exercising sustainability and at the same time takes a smart approach by initiating recovery and recycling of the costly and harmful NMP solvent which is a crucial element for conducting battery manufacturing.”
As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) accelerates, the spotlight on battery recycling has become increasingly crucial. Electric vehicle batteries are central to the promise of cleaner, greener transportation. However, their environmental impact extends beyond their use phase, making recycling a critical component in the lifecycle of EV batteries.
Rajesh Gupta, Founder & Director, Recyclekaro points out “As World EV Day approaches, it’s a call for us to rethink how we travel and how we can do our bit for the planet. In India, where our transportation sector plays a major role in carbon emissions, the shift to electric vehicles isn’t just about embracing new technology—it’s about making a conscious choice for a sustainable future. I am happy to see Government initiatives like public transport like buses moving towards EVs as well as incentives to boost the adoption of private EVs.
Electric Vehicles represent an opportunity for us to reduce our carbon footprint, but they also bring with them the chance to create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our economy. This transformation is essential if we want to leave behind a healthier planet for our future generations. At Recyclekaro, we understand that moving to electric mobility comes with its own set of responsibilities. It’s not just about driving cleaner vehicles, but also ensuring that the batteries and electronic components are recycled in a way that truly supports a greener future”.
While electric vehicles (EVs) for personal use are making headlines, the push to electrify not only individual cars but also a range of urban transport options and logistics is crucial for achieving truly sustainable urban environments.
Vikash Kejriwal, COO of SKIL Cabs says, “SKIL Cabs reiterates the critical importance of electric vehicles (EVs) in making sustainable and eco-friendly transportation a reality. As global concerns regarding climate change get grave by the day, transitioning to EVs is more of a necessity than an option. Given the plethora of advantages that EVs offer including zero emissions that in turn relaxes the air from being heavily polluted, every individual envisions a cleaner and healthier city to be in. Our well-thought-out initiative, CABI by SKIL Cabs, showcases a notable leap towards achieving a greener future in the corporate mobility space. We are committed to redefining the corporate car rental experience by integrating electric vehicle solutions, which align with our tenets of sustainability, innovation, and best-in-class cab hailing service. By presenting emission-free, efficient transport options, we are the pioneers in the global shift towards cleaner practices while also aiding our clients to meet their own sustainability goals.
At SKIL Cabs, we believe that adopting EVs is essential for the future of mobility. On this special occasion, we are proud to champion the shift towards a greener, smarter transportation ecosystem, showcasing that eco-conscious choices can coexist with luxurious service and comfort. Our goal is simple – every journey with SKIL Cabs contributes to a cleaner and greener future.”
Maxson Lewis, Founder & CEO, Magenta Mobility concluded, “On this World EV Day, we reflect on the growth of India’s electric vehicle market, which has come a long way from its early stages and is steadily moving towards becoming a key player globally. The shift towards electric vehicles, especially in logistics, is an important step in supporting the country’s Net Zero goal by 2070. At Magenta, we are focused on providing businesses with sustainable logistics solutions that not only reduce carbon footprints but also enhance operational efficiency. By integrating cutting-edge EV technology into our fleet, we help companies achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining reliable and cost-effective delivery operations. As we move forward, we are committed to partnering with businesses to drive greener, smarter logistics for a more sustainable India.”
To create truly sustainable urban environments, the electrification of personal vehicles must be part of a broader strategy that includes public transport, logistics, and municipal services. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of urban mobility contribute to reducing emissions and improving quality of life. So, EV Day, join the movement, embrace the change, and drive towards a greener tomorrow!