Amitabh Kant Urges Clear Shift Toward EVs

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has called for India to commit firmly to electric vehicles instead of locking into hybrid technologies, stating that the country must focus on future-ready mobility solutions.

Speaking at an industry forum on electric mobility, Kant emphasised that hybrids should not become a long-term strategic direction for India. According to him, while hybrids may offer incremental efficiency gains, they do not represent the transformational shift required for India to lead in next-generation automotive technologies.

He argued that electric vehicles provide a stronger foundation for innovation across the value chain, including battery manufacturing, power electronics, software integration and charging infrastructure. A decisive push toward EVs, he said, would allow India to build domestic capabilities and strengthen its position in global mobility markets.

Kant highlighted that committing to electrification is not only an environmental imperative but also an industrial and economic strategy. Electric mobility can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while encouraging investment in advanced manufacturing sectors.

The debate between hybrids and fully electric vehicles has intensified in recent months, with different stakeholders advocating varying transition pathways. Hybrid vehicles combine internal combustion engines with electric assistance, offering improved fuel efficiency. However, critics argue that large-scale hybrid adoption could slow the development of charging infrastructure and delay full electrification.

Kant’s remarks reflect a view that policy clarity is essential for long-term investment decisions. Automakers and suppliers typically plan product cycles years in advance, and a strong EV-focused direction would encourage deeper capital allocation toward battery plants, local component manufacturing and charging networks.

India’s EV ecosystem has been expanding steadily, supported by government incentives, production-linked schemes and state-level policy measures. Electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers have already seen significant growth, while passenger vehicle adoption continues to increase gradually.

By urging policymakers and industry to avoid over-committing to hybrids, Kant signalled that India should leapfrog intermediate technologies and focus on zero-emission solutions as the ultimate goal.

His comments are likely to fuel continued discussion within the automotive sector about the optimal balance between transitional technologies and full electrification as India shapes its mobility roadmap.