In a significant move to boost the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem and promote environmentally sustainable development, the government has unveiled plans to strengthen both manufacturing and charging infrastructure for EVs. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced these initiatives during the presentation of the Interim Budget in the Lok Sabha. Highlighting the government's dedication to fostering green growth, Sitharaman introduced a new scheme for bio-manufacturing, with a focus on encouraging sustainable practices. She reiterated the government's commitment to expanding and reinforcing the EV ecosystem by providing support for manufacturing and charging infrastructure, recognizing the crucial role of EVs in the nation's sustainable development agenda.
Furthermore, Sitharaman reiterated the government's commitment to implementing economic policies conducive to sustaining growth and encouraging investment. She affirmed, "Our government will adopt economic policies that will sustain growth and contribute to powering investment and fulfilling aspirations", outlining the administration's overarching vision for economic prosperity. The budget presentation underscored the government's dedication to infrastructure development, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stating, "All types of infrastructure – digital, social, physical are being constructed at an unprecedented pace". This highlighted the comprehensive strategy towards enhancing infrastructure across diverse sectors.
India's progress in developing its EV charging infrastructure was acknowledged, along with the recognition of existing challenges. Despite advancements, the ratio of EVs to charging stations remains imbalanced, currently standing at almost 9:1, while the optimal ratio is considered to be 4:1. This underscores the need for further expansion of the charging infrastructure to facilitate the transition towards electric mobility. Industry stakeholders appreciated the government's forward-thinking approach to the automotive sector, aligning with national objectives such as promoting self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and moving towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
Ankit Kumar, CEO of Skye Air Mobility, praised the budget for extending concessional tax rates for new manufacturing units, anticipating that it will stimulate innovation and enhance competitiveness. He stated, “The India Budget 2024 heralds a powerful catalyst for our nation’s economic advancement. By extending concessional tax rates for new manufacturing units, fostering innovation receives a significant impetus. The strategic emphasis on training for MSMEs not only enhances competitiveness but also nurtures a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, propelling Bharat towards global leadership".
The budget also garnered appreciation for initiatives aimed at fostering gender diversity and empowering women entrepreneurs. Pragya Goyal, CEO & Co-Founder of Vegh Automobiles, lauded the infusion of loans under the Mudra Yojana for women entrepreneurs, citing its potential to strengthen the EV manufacturing landscape and promote gender diversity. She said, “The infusion of thirty crore Mudra Yojana loans into the hands of women entrepreneurs is a game-changer, providing financial backing for aspiring female leaders to venture into the dynamic field of electric vehicle manufacturing. The commendable twenty-eight percent surge in female enrollment in higher education, particularly in STEM courses, fortifies the talent pool for the EV sector".