India EV Policy 2025: Harsh Malhotra inaugurates India Energy Storage Week to highlight electric mobility, FAME-II scheme, and Net-Zero goals for 2070.
Harsh Malhotra Opens India Energy Storage Week 2025 — Driving India’s EV Revolution
Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, Shri Harsh Malhotra, inaugurated a pivotal session—“India’s Roadmap for Vehicle Electrification”—at India Energy Storage Week 2025 (IESW) on July 10, at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi He underscored the Modi government’s unwavering commitment to fostering electric mobility and building a vibrant EV manufacturing ecosystem, bolstered by flagship schemes like PM E‑Drive and FAME‑II
Green Policies for Accessible EV Adoption
Malhotra emphasized that the shift toward electric transport is not just technological, but essential for climate targets and energy security The government has rolled out supportive regulations, including EV retrofitting norms and toll‑tax exemptions, aimed at making EVs more economically viable for consumers
Multi‑Modal Logistics Parks Go Green
To enhance clean commerce, new Multi‑Modal Logistics Parks are being developed with EV‑friendly infrastructure, linking roads, railways, and warehousing. These facilities are expected to reduce logistics costs and emissions, positioning India as a clean and connected transport hub
Ambitious Renewable Energy Targets
Aligned with climate action, the government is targeting 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 At IESW, the session highlighted India’s ambition to emerge as a global hub for clean mobility, calling on industry stakeholders to invest in green solutions
Battery Innovation & Circular Economy
A significant highlight was the call for developing battery technologies suited to Indian climates, with increased R&D, domestic manufacturing, and circular practices, including recycling and reuse Malhotra stressed that batteries are the heart of the EV revolution in India.
Towards Net‑Zero by 2070
Reflecting on 11 years of industrial growth, he noted that current efforts are now focused on achieving India’s Net‑Zero target by 2070, in alignment with Prime Minister Modi’s long‑term vision
Why This News Matters
Fueling Cleaner, Sustainable Transportation
With climate goals in sight, India’s electrification policies—such as FAME‑II and E‑Drive schemes—are crucial. They not only reduce carbon footprints but also help meet global climate pledges and energy independence
Driving Regional Economic Growth
This initiative supports India becoming a clean mobility and manufacturing hub, enhancing job creation, investments in battery technology, and exports—all essential for economic development and exam‑relevant topics in economy and industry.
Policy Awareness for Aspirants
Understanding EV incentives (like retrofitting norms and toll waivers) is vital for candidates of UPSC, SSC, and state PSC exams, which frequently feature questions on policy impact and government initiatives.
Energy Infrastructure & Logistics Implications
The integration of EV facilities in Multi‑Modal Logistics Parks links to questions on infrastructure, transport planning, and supply chain optimization—core areas in civil service and technical jobs.
Tech Focus: Batteries & Circular Economy
The focus on battery R&D and recycling complements questions on sustainable development, innovation policy, and technology deployment—topics common in defense, railways, banking, and government services exams.
Historical Context: India’s EV & Clean‑Energy Push
Since the launch of FAME‑I (2015) and its enhanced second phase FAME‑II (2019), India has aggressively promoted e-mobility through subsidies and incentives. Recent EV retrofitting regulations further open avenues for converting existing vehicles to electric, boosting affordability.
The 500 GW renewable energy target—part of India’s NDCs under the Paris Agreement—marks a continuation of its energy transition efforts. With increasing battery imports, the government is emphasizing domestic production and recycling to ensure both environmental and strategic advantages.
The Net‑Zero by 2070 pledge, first outlined at COP26 (2021), has steered national policies towards low-carbon pathways, underscoring energy storage’s strategic importance in India’s clean-energy journey.
Key Takeaways from India Energy Storage Week 2025
| No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Inauguration: MoS Harsh Malhotra launched the “India’s Roadmap for Vehicle Electrification” session at IESW 2025 |
| 2 | Policy Schemes: Highlighted government support via PM E‑Drive and FAME‑II for EV ecosystem development . |
| 3 | Support Measures: EV retrofitting norms and toll exemptions aim to make electric mobility affordable . |
| 4 | Renewable Ambition: India aims for 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030, boosting green energy and transport integration . |
| 5 | Net‑Zero Vision: All efforts, including battery R&D and logistics infrastructure, are aligned with achieving Net‑Zero carbon emissions by 2070 . |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is India Energy Storage Week (IESW)?
India Energy Storage Week is an annual industry event focused on clean energy transition, electric mobility, and storage solutions. It brings together policymakers, researchers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to discuss India’s roadmap for sustainable energy and electric vehicles.
2. Who inaugurated IESW 2025?
Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways and Corporate Affairs, inaugurated the “India’s Roadmap for Vehicle Electrification” session during IESW 2025 held in New Delhi.
3. What are the key government schemes supporting electric mobility in India?
The major schemes include:
- FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles)
- PM E‑Drive Scheme for incentivizing electric vehicle adoption
- Battery swapping and retrofitting policies for affordability
4. What is India’s renewable energy target by 2030?
India is aiming to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based power generation capacity by 2030 to fulfill its climate commitments and support clean mobility.
5. Why is energy storage crucial for India?
Energy storage systems help stabilize the grid, support electric vehicle deployment, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and enhance energy security. They are also key to achieving the Net-Zero carbon goal by 2070.
6. What benefits do EV users receive under government policies?
EV users in India can benefit from:
Encouragement for local battery production
Toll exemptions
Subsidies under FAME-II
Support for vehicle retrofitting
Reduced GST on EVs
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