Karnataka: Hurdles in way of electric vehicles, says RV Deshpande

Bengaluru: As the state government's electric vehicle and energy storage policy is being circulated to all government departments, there are quite a few practical hurdles to overcome to make it a reality.

Minister for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development R.V. Deshapande in a telephonic interview with Deccan Chronicle, said, “We began encouraging this policy. The process was cleared long ago. An electric vehicle has very few components, the most important being the battery. The issue is, the battery is the costliest part.”

The policy unveiled is at a nascent stage, with little details on how it will be executed. While the components are few, unlike the complicated fuel-based vehicles, the cost remains high. 

Explaining various aspects the stakeholders are attempting to find answers to, Mr Deshpande said, “Apart from expensive batteries, the battery manufacturing plant and storage has to be decided. That's why the policy also focuses on energy storage.”

What stakeholders from industrial and automobile companies, who are working on this policy should ensure, are charging centres for refuelling. Their locations and even passenger fares for electric public transport will be finalised after the Cabinet approves the policy, he said.

“Infrastructure, manufacturing, storage and cost are the factors we need to address. Very few countries have implemented this in the world. Ultimately, the whole of Karnataka will benefit from this policy. But for Phase-1, we will focus on Bengaluru. Autos, two-wheelers, buses, cabs and four-wheelers within the city will be electrically operated,” he said.

The intention is to reduce pollution, make transport environmental friendly, make Bengaluru the electric capital of India and Karnataka the first state to have such a policy. The push for “green vehicles” has only just begun for India, with the NITI Ayog recently publishing their report aimed at electrifying all vehicles by 2032.