Automaker giant, Volkswagen views the transition from combustion diesel and petrol engine to the electrified cars is huge but plans to launch 70 EVs
Steffen Knapp, director of Volkswagen Passenger Cars (India), says that India is yet to have a proper ecosystem for electric vehicles. The India head also viewed that India should have a clearer vision instead of massive promotional activities of EVs in the initial stage.
Requirement of subsidies
According to Knapp, the country’s vision is currently at a nascent stage and regards it as loose. He has added the requirement of additional subsidies for promoting electric vehicles. The European car company will need subsidies to make it a viable business in India. Its investment plans are directly dependent on what the government has to offer to the manufacturers so that they can venture into the country’s upcoming EV segment.
The Volkswagen India director further went on to say that due to the absence of the Indian government’s proper EV vision, it would not be sensible on the company’s part to straight away get into the sales of EVs in India.
Investment plans
European car manufacturer, Volkswagen has planned to invest Rs 8,000 crores for the development of its products in India in the next 5 years, of which, the first product is slated to be launched in 2020. Steffen Knapp also informed about its upcoming development centre in Jharkhand, wherein the company would be making compact SUVs.
Volkswagen has been in talks with the government to sort the EV scene in India and hopes for a clearer guidance on standardisation of charging stations. The automaker will be launching around 70 EVs in 2019.
