The recently concluded Energy Innovation Summit 2019 in Vijayawada witnessed the Andhra Pradesh State Government announce its decision to stop the registration of diesel and petrol cars by 2024. In an attempt to curb the pollution in the state, the State Government also stated that it would be launching 10 lakh electric vehicles in the coming five years.
Reportedly, the new electric mobility policy will attract investments close to Rs 30000 crore and generate about 60,000 jobs. Also, the Government announced a state grant of Rs 500 crore for the R&D of electric vehicles.
The Chandrababu Naidu-led government aims at converting the fleet of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) to electrically powered ones. It also plans to set up about 1 lakh slow and fast EV charging stations in the next five years.
While speaking at the event, Mahesh Babu, CEO, Mahindra Electric, said, “Industry needs a clear direction and MSME will invest only if there is a clear policy. Green number plates for electric vehicles, no permits for three-wheelers are a good move, we just need to implement the national and state EV policy it in action and I’m sure Andhra will have 1 million EVs in by 2024.”
He further added that the operators of public transport need to shift to electric vehicles before personal buyers get into it. Mr. Babu highlighted the fact that the EVs are economically viable and eco-friendly options.
“It was a pleasure to be part of the very stimulating Andhra Energy Innovation Summit 2019 in Vijayawada. An important forum for discussing the many ways in which AP will position itself in the global Energy sector, the summit also put forth ideas that can help us achieve SDGs,” Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu tweeted after participating in Energy Innovation Summit 2019 in Vijayawada.
Source: News18
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