Southern India emerges as key contributor in achieving India's EV Goals: Guidance Tamil Nadu MD

Southern India has emerged as the driving force of electric mobility in India and Tamil Nadu in particular is taking pole position with commitment of all support from State government in terms of attracting investment to facilitating industries and Start-Ups of the sector to flourish, Guidance Tamil Nadu MD and CEO Vishnu Venugopalan said at The third edition of EV India 2023 -- Expo and conference.

The two-day thought-provoking event was organised by Franchise India at Chennai Trade Centre on May 20-21, 2023. The show witnessed participation of more than 500 delegates, over 100 EV brands and innovators, and the presence of above 5,000 industry audience. The Confex attracted the presence of policy makers from the union and state governments, manufacturers, retailers, investors, consultants, technology specialists, key stakeholders from industry bodies, discussing some of the critical aspects of this sector and also exhibit the latest technological advancements in this sector. 

Gen (Retd) VK Singh, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways and Civil Aviation, Government of India said in his video message to the industry that the Union Government was committed to walk extra mile to reduce transport generated air pollution and it was encouraging all modes of alternative energy, primarily e-mobility.

Talking about the growth of EV, The Chief Guest on 2nd day of the event, Venugopalan said, “The government is committed to transitioning towards green mobility, supported by initiatives, increased investor interest, and innovative business models that incorporate the latest technology. The southern region of India, comprising five states, stands out as these states have well-defined EV policies, established manufacturing capabilities, and a strong focus on R&D. This region will make a significant contributions towards achieving the government’s and NITI Aayog’s 2030 EV goals, and positioning India as a global hub in the EV space.

As India holds the presidency of G20, the event provides a platform to showcase the nation's climate policies and potential as a global clean manufacturing hub. The Economic Survey 2023 predicts that India's domestic electric vehicle market will see a 49 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2022 and 2030, with 10 million annual sales by 2030. Additionally, the electric vehicle industry is projected to create around 50 million direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

The conference witnessed deliberation of crucial aspects related to increasing EV adoption in India, and the opportunities therein for various stakeholders. The discussions were on India's EV adoption, innovation in charging infra, investment opportunities in EV sector, making EV for everyone, opportunities and concerns, OEMs catching up with opportunities in electric mobility, new generation of battery technology, how electric vehicles can see faster commercial adoption, etc.

The experts at EV India 2023 pointed out that numerous franchising opportunities exist in EV market such as setting up and operating EV charging stations, retail outlets or distribution centers for electric scooters and bicycles for short commutes, manufacturing or distributing EV components, setting up and operating battery swapping stations to cater to the growing number of EV owners, and converting conventional vehicles into electric ones.

Other distinguished guest at the EV India 2023 were B. Krishnamoorthy, Special Secretary and Joint Director at TIDCO and S. Shaktivel, Deputy Director at FAME Tamil Nadu among others.