Will EVs Become as Affordable as Petrol Vehicles in 4–6 Months?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an exciting development, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reveals that electric vehicles could soon match petrol vehicle prices in India. This shift underscores the government's commitment to clean energy, promising significant economic and environmental benefits. Discover how this transition could reshape the automotive landscape in just months!
Key Takeaways
- EV prices expected to match petrol vehicles in 4-6 months.
- Government aims to make India’s automobile industry the largest globally.
- Farmers earn Rs 45,000 crore from ethanol production.
- Hydrogen highways initiative launched for cleaner transport.
- India to reduce crude oil import reliance significantly.
New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Monday that the cost of electric vehicles (EVs) in India is expected to reach parity with that of petrol-powered vehicles within the next four to six months, as the government intensifies its efforts to promote clean mobility.
While addressing the FICCI Higher Education Summit, the minister pointed out that India's annual fuel import expenditure of Rs 22 lakh crore poses both an economic strain and an environmental issue, making the transition to green energy essential for the country's progress.
Gadkari further stated that the government aims to establish India’s automobile sector as the largest globally within the next five years. When he took office as transport minister, the industry was valued at Rs 14 lakh crore, and it has since increased to Rs 22 lakh crore.
Currently, the US automobile industry is valued at Rs 78 lakh crore, followed by China at Rs 47 lakh crore, with India in third place at Rs 22 lakh crore, he highlighted.
The minister also underscored the contribution of farmers in this shift, who have collectively earned an extra Rs 45,000 crore by producing ethanol from corn, thus enhancing the nation’s energy security and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels.
Last month, the minister inaugurated India's first hydrogen highways, propelling the nation's green hydrogen initiatives forward.
This project encompasses the establishment of hydrogen fueling stations along key national highway routes to support long-distance hydrogen-powered freight.
Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and we have initiated the first extensive trials of hydrogen trucks in history. A budget of Rs 500 crore has been allocated to five consortia across ten routes, with 37 vehicles involved,” said Gadkari at the event.
These trials will be backed by the construction of nine hydrogen refueling stations, marking the establishment of India’s first hydrogen highways, laying the groundwork for long-range, clean transportation.
He stressed the urgency for India to reduce its dependence on crude oil imports, which currently satisfy 87 percent of demand and cost the nation nearly Rs 22 lakh crore annually.
Point of View
I firmly believe that India's transition to electric vehicles is not just an environmental imperative but also a crucial economic strategy. With the government actively promoting clean energy initiatives, this shift can enhance national energy security and stimulate industrial growth, ensuring that India remains competitive on the global stage.
NationPress
07/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will EV prices match petrol vehicle prices?
According to Minister Nitin Gadkari, EV prices in India are expected to match those of petrol vehicles within the next four to six months.
What is the significance of the hydrogen highways project?
The hydrogen highways project aims to establish fueling stations for hydrogen-powered freight, marking a significant step towards clean transportation solutions in India.
How much has India's automobile industry grown recently?
When Gadkari took office, the automobile industry was valued at Rs 14 lakh crore, and it has now increased to Rs 22 lakh crore.
