Automobile Industry urged to develop initiatives
for reliable and competitive production of Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Vehicles
The Government has
urged the Automobile Industry to develop initiatives for reliable and competitive
production of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles. Speaking while inaugurating the
Seminar on Alternative Energy Driven Vehicles as part of the 7th Auto Expo, here
today, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Non-Conventional Energy
Sources, Shri M. Kannappan said that electric vehicles are now commercially available
in the country. However, two major constraints related to battery powered electric
vehicles namely high cost and limited range still need to be tackled. He called
on the industry to appropriately address these and other issues as well.
Shri Kannappan said that his Ministry has taken initiatives to develop and demonstrate
hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles in the country. A fuel cell vehicle and a few
hydrogen powered motor cycles are already in operation in Chennai and Varanasi.
The Minister said the Automobile Industry should market development initiatives
for production of reliable and competitive fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles for
their wider deployment on Indian roads.
The Ministry is implementing a demonstration programme on battery-powered electric
vehicles with involvement of State Nodal Agencies and Departments. Several State
level Nodal Agencies like Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency, Gujarat Energy
Development Agency, West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency and Non-Conventional
Energy Development Agency have taken a leading role in promoting electric vehicles
in their respective States. The Agra Development Authority has been successfully
operating eco-friendly electric vehicles in the Green Taj Mahal belt.
Shri Kannappan announced that his Ministry has sanctioned a pilot project for
demonstration and field performance evaluation of 300 battery operated electric
three-wheelers in Agra and other cities. Some companies including Bharat Heavy
Electrical Ltd., Scooters India Limited, Mahindra Eco Mobiles Ltd. And Reva Electric
Car Company are making and selling battery operated passenger vehicles in the
country.
Research efforts have been mounted for the development of quick refueling technologies,
reliable fuel cell components and fuel cell stack production and integration,
materials development, production of hydrogen and cost reduction.
In addition, the Ministry is working on a "Policy Analytical study for the
utilisation of alcohol blends and other bio-fuels in petrol and diesel vehicles".
The Inaugural Session of the Seminar was also addressed by the Chief Minister
of Delhi, Smt. Shiela Dikshit.
The Auto-Expo is displaying energy-efficient, environment friendly and silent
vehicles to create a demonstrative effect and promote awareness among the general
public.
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