June 15, 2023: India’s drive to encourage increased take-up of EVs is set to be reviewed amid fears of an over reliance on China, according to the India Lead Zinc Development Association.
ILZDA said in its latest e-newsletter, released on June 14, that the powerful NITI Aayog policy think-tank — also known as the “brains trust” advising Indian prime minister Narendra Modi — plans to review policies on lithium ion-powered EVs because about 75% of the vehicles are imported from China.
A section within India’s government reckons the country should not be heavily reliant on China and should instead explore other green sources to power future vehicles, ILZDA said.
NITI Aayog director Sudhendu Sinha told the International Conference on Lead & Lead Batteries in New Delhi last December that the industry should be quick to counter any suggestions that new energy technologies could replace lead as a traditional battery industry.
Sinha said India could not become reliant on any particular battery chemistry or technology and warned that while a number of battery technologies can co-exist, “those that are not focused on safety, the environment, safe and sound disposal and traceability will gradually become extinct”.