Tamil Nadu, already a frontrunner in the green energy transition, showcased its pivotal role in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape during the India EV Conclave held at Chennai. With a robust policy framework, strategic investments and a commitment to sustainability, Tamil Nadu is at the forefront in driving the nation towards a cleaner, greener future. The state has emerged as a key player, manufacturing 70 per cent of the electric two-wheelers and 40 per cent of the electric four-wheelers sold nationwide.
TRB Rajaa, minister for Industries, Investment Promotion, and Commerce, in his keynote address highlighted the state’s commitment to sustainable practices and the ambitious goal of achieving 75 per cent green energy capacity.
One of the key drivers of Tamil Nadu’s success in the EV sector is its proactive policy framework. Battery-as-a-Service” initiative is a testament to the same. To encourage and improve the ecosystem, the state offers subsidies for installing battery swapping and charging stations. These help in promoting widespread adoption of EVs. The state also plans to tailor make a scrapping policy that will incentivise, replacement old vehicles and shift towards EVs. Rajaa confidently asserted that Tamil Nadu becoming the number one state in terms of EV charging infrastructure.
Inviting global EV players
The government aims to double its current cumulative investment of Rs 40,000 crore in the EV space over the next two years. Global EV companies are to be invited to set up their research and development centres, forging the state as a knowledge hub for Southeast Asia. As part of its green energy transition, Tamil Nadu is poised to become the country’s hydrogen capital. Rajaa revealed three new contracts signed with leading firms to scale up the ecosystem.
V Arun Roy, Secretary for Department of Industries, highlighted the emergence of the state as a key player, manufacturing 70 per cent of the electric two-wheelers and 40 per cent of the electric four-wheelers sold nationwide. Shift towards EVs is inevitable and Roy acknowledged the state’s commitment to implementing the right policies. Highlighting the existing technology challenges in the EV industry, Roy stressed the need for generating electricity from clean sources. Tamil Nadu leads in green energy transition. Minister Rajaa proudly shared about the award received by the state – United Nations Promotion Award 2023 For Excellence in Scaling Up Energy Transition Investments. “50 per cent of our installed energy capacity is green today, and we are targeting 75 per cent,” the Minister added.
V Vishnu, MD & CEO, Guidance pointed to over 40 leading companies having their presence in the state including Ola, TVS Motor, Ather, Ampere Vehicles, BYD India, Stellantis and E-Royce Motors. Combining with the existing industry strength, the state is poised to significantly enhance its share in global EV exports.
The conclave, with the theme “Electrifying tomorrow: Navigating the EV transition”, brought together heads of new mobility divisions of automobile companies, auto component systems, EV charging wings, policymakers, government officials and domain experts, among others. It not only celebrated the state’s achievements in the electric vehicle sector but also outlined ambitious plans for the future.
