CPRG Hosts Inaugural EVolve Conclave on Electric Mobility
The CPRG EVolve Conclave brings together leaders to discuss India's electric mobility transition, green finance, and charging infrastructure.
The Center of Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) launched its first-ever dialogue on the future of transportation, the "EVolve: Conclave on Electric Mobility," in New Delhi on Wednesday. The event served as a high-level gathering of government officials, industry titans, regulators, and academic experts to dissect the complex roadmap required to scale electric vehicles (EVs) across the nation.
The discussions focused on critical pillars of the transition, including economic strategies, the role of green finance, regulatory frameworks, and the industrial shifts necessary to move India toward a cleaner transport landscape.
A Citizen-Centric Approach to Clean Energy
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, emphasized that the shift toward clean mobility is a vital weapon in the fight against climate change. However, he stressed that the metric for success must go beyond mere vehicle numbers.
"Clean mobility powered by clean energy is the most powerful tool for addressing climate change," the LG remarked. He further noted that the transition must remain citizen-centric, arguing that true success lies in whether people have access to efficient, cleaner, and more convenient ways to navigate cities through reliable charging infrastructure.
Bridging Policy and Public Engagement
Dr. Ramanand, Director of CPRG, highlighted the importance of inclusive governance. He stated that the objective of the EVolve conclave is to move beyond isolated sectoral discussions and foster a broader public engagement in the policy-making process.
According to Dr. Ramanand, the diverse perspectives shared during the conclave are intended to provide a holistic understanding that will guide future decision-making and shape essential policy changes as the nation moves forward.
Key Pillars for a Sustainable Future
The conclave featured insights from several high-ranking officials and experts who outlined the structural requirements for a successful EV ecosystem:
- Investment and Innovation: Berjis Desai, Member of the National Commission for Minorities, pointed out that electric mobility requires long-term investment strategies. He highlighted that startups are the engines of innovation and require strategic partners, not just financial capital.
- Sustainable Growth: Dr. Hanif Qureshi (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries) and Mahmood Ahmed (Additional Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) both underscored the need for a supportive ecosystem that ensures India's growth remains decarbonized.
- The Three Pillars: Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Member of NITI Aayog, proposed a framework built on three essential foundations: business scale and economics, technology and R&D, and technological sovereignty.
The Vision for EVolve
The EVolve Conclave is designed to be more than just a meeting of minds; it is envisioned as a platform to address how India's transport and energy systems can evolve in tandem. By bringing diverse stakeholders into a single conversation, the conclave aims to identify practical areas of coordination and address the institutional, infrastructural, and market requirements necessary to power India's energy and mobility transition.