Government of India launches plan to speed adoption of hybrids and EVs
Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Anant Geete unveiled a scheme for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India, better known as FAME India at an event held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi for the stakeholders and the general public at large. The event was organized by The Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) of the Government of India, in association with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Based on the National Electric Mobility Plan (NEMMP 2020) road map, FAME India was drawn up by DHI and submitted for the approval of the Government. With an outlay of 795 crore under Plan Head, now the scheme has been launched for the initial two years – Phase I (2015-17). The budget will fund platform technology, incentives, charging infrastructure and pilot tests. Incentives will be available at the point of purchase and the same shall be got reimbursed by the manufacturers from DHI, on a monthly basis.
On coverage the minister said this scheme would be covered throughout the country with the following four areas: cities under “Smart Cities” initiatives; major metro agglomerations – Delhi NCR, Greater Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai, Bengaluri, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad; all State and other urban agglomerations/cities with 1 million+population; and cities of the north eastern States. Moreover, it will cover all vehicle segments i.e. two, three and four wheelers, cars, LCVs, buses and all forms of hybrid (mild/strong/plug-in) and pure electric vehicles.
“Keeping in view the limited domestic reserves of the conventional fuels and the rising demand in the automobile sector, it is a dire necessity to find alternate sources of energy for transport which are eco-friendly yet cost-effective. In the present circumstances, FAME India is a necessity. We hope that the scheme shall be a success and benefits the citizens of our country and meet the objectives which are set out in the Mission,” said minister Geete.
