In 6 Months, Electric Vehicle Prices Will Be On Par With Petrol Cars: Gadkari

Gadkari stressed that the government's policy focuses on import substitution, cost-effectiveness, pollution-free solutions, and promoting indigenous production

Nitin Gadkari also highlighted the importance of promoting new technologies and innovations to lower road construction costs

Source : PTI

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari stated on Wednesday that the prices of electric vehicles (EVs) in India will match those of petrol vehicles within the next six months. Speaking at the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, Gadkari also mentioned that the construction of the 212-km Delhi-Dehradun access-controlled expressway will be finished within the next three months.

"Within six months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles," he said.

The minister stressed that the government's policy focuses on import substitution, cost-effectiveness, pollution-free solutions, and promoting indigenous production.

He also highlighted that to position India as the third-largest economy, significant improvements in the country’s infrastructure sector are essential. "By making good roads, we can reduce our logistics cost," he added. 

Nitin Gadkari expressed confidence in the bright future of the country's economy, reaffirming the government's commitment to developing smart cities and smart transportation.

"We are working on mass rapid transport on electricity," he said.  

The minister also highlighted the importance of promoting new technologies and innovations to lower road construction costs.

Prices Of Electric Vehicles

Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Gadkari has predicted a reduction in the prices of electric vehicles. In a public address in Nagpur, he had previously stated that by 2025, the price of electric vehicles in India would be comparable to petrol cars, driven by advancements in battery technology and a rise in domestic production. He also emphasized that the operational costs of EVs are much lower than those of petrol or diesel vehicles.

Beyond the initial purchase cost, Gadkari has consistently pointed out that the running costs of EVs are significantly more affordable compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. He has repeatedly noted that the cost of running an EV is around Rs 1 per kilometer, whereas petrol or diesel cars cost Rs 5-7 per kilometer. Gadkari argued that although EVs may have a higher upfront cost, the long-term savings on fuel make them a more economical choice.