How Indian future EV industry looks like: Post PM E-Drive Expectations
India is all set to play a pivotal role in the rapid transformation of the global electric vehicle (EV) market. The global market for EVs is estimated to be at $255 billion, according to a report just published by Axis Securities and is seen to take off to $2,108 billion by 2033. This would mean that it will have recorded a CAGR of around 23% during the period from 2023 to 2033. It tells us about the rising demand for mobility solutions to meet the need for cleaner alternatives, especially in countries like India, as rapid urbanisation and rising environmental concerns form the basis of their demands.
Indian Electric Vehicle Market Growth
The Indian electric vehicle market is going to grow dramatically in the coming years. Annual volume will reach as high as 10 million units by 2033 from 1.7 million units during the financial year 2023-24. This growth will be governed by various factors in the form of government policies, new product launches, cost reduction of raw materials to manufacture, and rapid technological developments.
The country's EV revolution will not only be limited to 2W and 3W. In the coming decade, the adoption of electric buses, passenger vehicles, and even heavy-duty trucks is expected to pick up pace. Infrastructure improvement coupled with affordable electric vehicle models in the market are the root cause of this projected growth.
Government Support
The Indian government has played an important role in pushing EV adoption across the nation. Replenishing the exhausted FAME, which stood for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India, the new PM E-Drive Scheme is part of several electric two-wheelers and three-wheeler subsidies totalling ₹10,900 crore, all to be released within the next two years, for a push on selling electric two, three, and four wheelers. The proposal will support the sale of 24.79 lakh two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh three-wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses by 2025.
The government's new tax-friendly policy has made EVs affordable. Electric cars are taxed at a mere 5%, while hybrid vehicles pay a 28% tax, and the heavy tax of 49% is borne by the ICE vehicles. So, all these incentives have levelled the playing field for EVs, and consumers will find them increasingly accessible, driving further growth.
Infrastructure Development: The Driver of Growth
The best part that would lead to widespread EV acceptance is the robust charging infrastructure. Keeping in view this very demand, the Indian government is going to spend ₹2,000 crores in developing public EV charging stations. Of course, these funds would support the installation of 22,100 fast chargers for electric four-wheelers, 1,800 for electric buses and 48,400 for electric two and three-wheelers. This infrastructure development is even more necessary because range anxiety remains one of the most significant concerns of potential EV buyers.
For example, to promote electric trucks and ambulances, ₹ 500 crores have been put towards supporting the adoption of electric trucks. Similarly, ₹ 500 crores have been allocated for hybrid and fully electric ambulances. These are not only meeting the high-rising demands for clean commercial and emergency vehicles but also indicate the long-term vision of the government as the sector-wide supports EVs.
Rising Semiconductor Industry in India
By far, the biggest challenge for the EV industry is indeed the availability of semiconductors. Electric vehicles are essentially run by semiconductors- everything from battery efficiency to vehicle safety systems. India has made its strides here: the country has been working relentlessly to develop its own semiconductor manufacturing capacities.
The collaborations with the US, Japan, and Australia provide India a platform to establish itself as a major leader in the semiconductor sector. An example can be cited in the form of awarding the government project of setting up the semiconductor manufacturing plant to 3RrdiTech Inc., the leader in a technology house. This is very important because the government feels that for these few vital elements of electric vehicles demanded increasingly, control over the supply chain must be independently warranted.
For this purpose, entry into semiconductor manufacturing can be seen as a forward-looking approach not just for the EV sector but all other dependent sectors on the technology, such as telecom and consumer electronics. If such initiatives work out well, India plans to restrict its reliance on imports and will ensure that the EV sector keeps growing free from interference by outside forces.
EV Revolution in India - A Reality, Not a Myth
India's electric vehicle revolution is no more a dream, but increasingly real. At a time when the world EV market is projected to touch more than $2 trillion by 2033, India is gaining momentum in becoming one of the leaders in this space. India government policies such as the PM E-Drive Scheme, along with investment in subsidies, lowering taxes and more emphasis on infrastructure development, will see more EVs emerging on the roads in the years to come.
This focus on making semiconductors domestically in India will be crucial to keeping the momentum of the Indian EV industry going. Association with global partners and further local supply chain development will reduce the costs of manufacturing even further and help India reach its ambitious targets.
The future of India's EV industry is promising. Growth there has been achieved through innovation and policy support. The country continues to embrace sustainable mobility solutions, and thereby the figure for EVs on Indian roads will continue to rise, doing its part for global carbon emissions reduction and fighting climate change. The EV revolution is here, and it's only going to get bigger.