By Greentech Lead Team: The final roadmap for the development of
the domestic electric vehicle and hybrid vehicle (xEV) industry is likely to be
unveiled by the Government in April, just missing the Budget, according to a
report in Hindu BusinessLine.
Stakeholders such as the
Government, industry and the academia are expected to meet on February 23-24
for the final discussions on infrastructure creation and an incentives strategy
for buyers.
Among the three core areas for
exchanging views, a meeting on the research and development (R&D)
requirements and investment has already happened.
After this last discussion
between the Board, the final contours of the policy will emerge. There will be
a ministerial-level meeting in April, leading to the final announcement of the
xEV policy. The Ministry of Heavy Industries, the nodal Ministry for the
project, has already set up a Board and a Minister-level Council for National
Mission on xEVs’ announced by the Finance Minister in last year’s Budget.
The Government’s intent on xEVs
is highlighted by a proposal to set up a Rs 740 crore R&D fund for the
nascent sector in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-17). A feasibility study was
also commissioned to Booz-Allen last year by the Heavy Industry Ministry at a
cost of Rs 90 lakh.