Andhra Pradesh eyes to take a lead in the world of electronic vehicles, plans to invest INR 30,000 crore by 2030

Andhra Pradesh is reportedly transforming itself into a major hub for automobile and component manufacturers, with some of the world-class brands, including Isuzu Motors India, Hero MotoCorp, Kia Motors India, Apollo Tyres and Bharat Forge, setting up manufacturing operations in the state.

Now, in a bid to grow its status in the domestic automotive industry, the state is gearing up to take a lead in the world of electric mobility. Moreover, as the Central government has declared to lend his support to the e-automobile industry, the state of Andhra Pradesh has come up with its own EV policies to become a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles and develop an e-mobility ecosystem like many other states such as Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

However, the electronic-vehicle industry is still to pick its pace in India. Going by numbers, the Indian EV industry saw sales of around 156,000 vehicles across two, three, and four wheelers, including busses.

Meanwhile, there has been a sharp rise in the number of key players in electronic vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, BMS and battery makers, and charging infrastructure. But the results are not yet significant enough to drive a mass adoption of electronic vehicles. Therefore, a concentrated effort by stakeholders for relevant support and infrastructure, and this is where Andhra Pradesh expects to excel.

In an exclusive interview with Autocar Professional, Mekapati Goutham Reddy, Minister of Industries, Commerce, IT & Skill Development, Andhra Pradesh says: "The state (Andhra Pradesh) has unveiled ‘Electric Mobility Policy 2018-2023’ with an aim to support every aspect of electric mobility and accelerate adoption of EVs that eventually leads to a healthier environment. This policy mainly emphasises and encourages manufacturers, charging infrastructure, demand creation, research and development. Andhra Pradesh’s EV policy is looking to attract Rs 30,000 crore of investment by 2030. It is also looking to create jobs for 60,000 people. The state government also aims at making all commercial vehicles go electric by 2030. "

As part of its EV Policy, the Andhra Pradesh government has extended incentives to EV battery manufacturers. What’s more, it could be looking to set up a gigafactory too.