Amitabh Kant Urges PMO To Prioritise EVs Over Hybrids, Warns Against ‘Typewriter in Smartphone Age’ Approach

Kant, who previously served as CEO of NITI Aayog, argued that a "technology-neutral" policy stance could jeopardize India's long-term commitment to zero-emission transportation

At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned an eight-fold increase in EV sales by 2030

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India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant, wrote to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) urging strategic clarity on clean vehicle technologies. In his letter dated June 2, Kant expressed apprehensions about the recent advisory by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which endorsed a wide range of powertrain options, including CNG, flex-fuel, strong hybrids, and battery electric vehicles, as viable choices for clean mobility in government fleets.

Kant, who previously served as CEO of NITI Aayog, argued that a "technology-neutral" policy stance could jeopardize India's long-term commitment to zero-emission transportation. He stressed that internal combustion engine-based technologies and hybrids represent outdated approaches, unsuited to India’s environmental and industrial aspirations.

“Continuing to promote hybrids or ICE (internal combustion engine) technologies is like investing in typewriters during the rise of AI-driven smartphones,” Kant said. He added that India must avoid transitional technologies and instead aim for a direct shift to battery electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles, according to a Financial Express report.

Automakers Split Over Hybrid Policy

The debate within the auto industry has intensified, with companies like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Honda supporting policy incentives for hybrids. In contrast, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Mahindra & Mahindra argue that hybrids are not aligned with India’s zero-emission vision.

Despite the absence of government incentives, hybrids have seen their market share rise to nearly 9 per cent, propelled by a few key models from leading manufacturers. Meanwhile, electric vehicle penetration reached a record 4.1 per cent in May, up from 2.4 per cent in 2024, according to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA).

Policy Uncertainty Threatens Investment Momentum

Kant warned that conflicting signals from regulatory bodies could create confusion among industry players and shake investor confidence. “The advisory issued by CAQM risks creating immense confusion among stakeholders and delaying the technological leap India urgently needs. It also demonstrates a lack of predictability and consistency in our mobility policy,” he noted.

At the Bharat Mobility Global Expo earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioned an eight-fold increase in EV sales by 2030. However, FY25 saw just under 108,000 units sold.

Kant highlighted that leading Indian OEMs—including Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor—have already invested heavily in electric mobility infrastructure, based on the expectation of a stable, future-focused policy framework. “These decisions were made in anticipation of a clear and progressive regulatory framework. But the continued policy ambiguity — particularly a ‘technology-neutral’ stance—risks stalling these investments and deterring future capital inflow into the EV sector,” Kant said.