Pepper Motion to establish largest electric bus manufacturing unit in Punganur
TIRUPATI: German-based electric vehicle manufacturer Pepper Motion is set to lay the foundation stone for the world's largest electric bus and truck manufacturing unit in Punganur, Chittoor district.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost Rs 4,640 crore, will spread across an expansive 800-acre area.
Chittoor collector Shanmohan, along with a delegation from the Pepper Motion led by CEO Andreas Hager, visited Punganur on Friday. Addressing a press conference, the collector said this unit will have the potential to generate 8,100 jobs locally, giving a significant boost to the region’s economy.
Expressing gratitude to key stakeholders, the collector acknowledged the efforts of chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy and Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy behind this endeavour in Punganur.
"With this electric vehicle manufacturing industry, educated unemployed local youths will have access to 8,100 job opportunities, eliminating the need for their migration for jobs to cities like Bengaluru and Chennai," stated the collector.
He said pollution would be kept under check. The construction-erection works would commence in Feb 2024.
Pepper Motion CEO Andreas Hager expressed his enthusiasm for establishing an electric vehicle manufacturing unit in India, emphasizing the role these vehicles play in reducing carbon emissions. "Due to the high population in India, buses and trucks contribute significantly to carbon gas emissions. As a step towards pollution prevention, Pepper Motion is manufacturing electric vehicles with its own cutting-edge technology," he stated.
Hager outlined the timeline for the project, indicating that construction works would commence in March, 2024. The plan involves the phased manufacturing of 1,000 electric buses and trucks by 2027, with a focus on providing local employment opportunities for educated youth.
He highlighted the fully integrated approach, stating that all required spare parts for manufacturing eco-friendly electric buses and trucks will be produced locally, and these vehicles will be exported to other countries.
