Projecting cost parity within months, Nitin Gadkari signals EVs in India will soon match petrol vehicle prices.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said electric vehicle (EV) prices in India are expected to reach parity with petrol-powered vehicles within the next four to six months. Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025, Gadkari emphasized that reducing dependence on fossil fuels is crucial, both economically and environmentally, as India spends ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports.
“Within the next 4-6 months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to the cost of petrol vehicles,” he said, highlighting the government’s push for clean energy adoption. Gadkari also set an ambitious goal for India to become the world’s number one automobile industry within five years. He noted that the industry has grown from ₹14 lakh crore when he took office to ₹22 lakh crore currently, compared with the U.S. at ₹78 lakh crore and China at ₹47 lakh crore.
The Minister highlighted other initiatives, including ethanol production from corn, which has provided farmers an additional ₹45,000 crore in income, and a programme to use segregated solid waste in road construction by 2027 to create value from waste.
Gadkari also stressed the role of higher education and skill development in India’s growth, stating that the country’s young, talented, and skilled workforce is a key strength. He urged educational institutions to integrate innovative technologies and practical applications into their curricula to prepare students for future challenges.
The statements underscore the government’s broader strategy to accelerate EV adoption, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and strengthen India’s position in the global automotive and clean energy sectors.
