Gadkari invites Chinese e-vehicle makers to enter into JVs with Indian firms

Over 22 Chinese companies are participating in an international electric vehicle exhibition in New Delhi

Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari today invited Chinese e-vehicle and component manufacturers to enter into joint ventures with India companies to promote the 'Make In India' initiative of the Union government. 

Addressing Chinese exhibitors at the first-ever international electric vehicle exhibition, EV-Expo in New Delhi, Gadkari said: "You have done a lot of research in the field of e-vehicles and we are ready to accept the research done worldwide. There is immense potential in India. So, I request you to enter into technical collaboration with India companies for manufacturing."

Over 22 Chinese companies are participating in the expo and showcasing their e-vehicles. More than 100 Indian and international e-vehicle companies are showcasing their advanced, pollution free, e-rickshaws, e-carts and e-vehicles at the exhibition. 

 

Gadkari said the government is committed to provide clean air to Indian citizens and will take all possible steps to introduce only eco-friendly vehicles for public transport.

"We are coordinating with the department of minorities and the department of social welfare so that the beneficiaries of cycle rickshaws should be given e-rickshaw instead," he said.

The government has also decided to provide low interest loan at 3% a year under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana to rickshaw operators belonging to poor, backward, and minority communities to buy e-rickshaws.

In next 2-3 years, the skill development ministry will provide training to 2 crore drivers to drive e-rickshaws. The government also plans to convert at least 10% of two, three- and four-wheelers plying on the Indian roads into hybrid/e-vehicles.