Indian legacy automaker Maruti presents its interesting take on the country’s progressive shift to clean and sustainable mobility, with its Chairman advocating for ethanol and hydrogen adoption instead of pure electric vehicles.
Maruti Chairman declared at the recent 50th National Management Convention that hybrid electric models (HEVs) are cleaner than any other type of electric vehicle as the country’s electricity source currently relies on coal, ET reports.
“May be India should move to ethanol, hydrogen and fuel cell options indtead of going for electric cars.”
Maruti Chairman Ravindra Chandra Bhargava
What’s the point?
Maruti Chairman Ravindra Chandra Bhargava claims that electric vehicles produce more CO2 emissions than hybrids due to the strong dependence of the country on coal, which accounts for 75% of the overall electricity generation.
Chairman Bhargava further emphasized that electric cars’ carbon footprint will remain until the country adopts 50% renewable energy for its electricity.
Therefore, hybrid cars will be a better alternative to all-electric vehicles. He also stated that CNG-based cars are also strong candidates for India’s shift to clean transportation.
Electrification efforts
Maruti previously announced plans to develop and launch six new electric vehicle models in India by 2030, including the eVX, Hustler, WagonR EV, Fronx EV, and another two compact e-SUVs.
The move is part of the company’s efforts to catch up in the rapidly growing EV market. However, the Chairman clarified at the convention that the planned six EV models would only account for 15% to 20% of its overall sales.
He further indicated that EVs currently contribute just 2% to the country’s huge automotive industry.
Additional remarks
Reports from last year suggest that Maruti will halt the production of pure petrol-based vehicles in 10 years.
Chairman Bhargava stated that the government currently has no policy to prevent automakers from producing diesel cars. However, they must comply with the CAFE standards, which may raise their production costs.
“We need to recognise that our strategy for moving towards net zero emission has to be consistent with the economic and infrastructure conditions prevailing in the country.”
Maruti Chairman Ravindra Chandra Bhargava expressed in a 2021 statement
He also commented on the transition from small cars to larger SUVs, saying that the small car industry has already stagnated. He even cited that the local car market growth was only 5% instead of 8%.
The Maruti Chairman also stated the need for local production of vehicle parts to solidify the supply chain.
“India needs to get more component makers to make in India for India and for global supply chains.”
Maruti Chairman Ravindra Chandra Bhargava
See Also:
- India sets ambitious goal to achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047
- India releases a list of technologies qualified for the upcoming carbon market
- Adani, Ballard, Ashok Leyland collaborate on a pilot hydrogen-powered mining truck
- Auto Expo 2023: EVs gaining spotlight in India
- Tata Motors develops hydrogen propulsion technology for zero carbon vehicles
Despite the different points of view, Chairman Bhargava remained optimistic regarding the local automotive industry’s growth. The Maruti boss stated that the Indian market has shown competitiveness for the last 15-20 years. He claims it would further expand with the current changes in automotive technology and standards.
