The third edition of the CII Conference on E-Mobility: Smart Transformation to E-Mobility: Way Forward that was virtually organized brought together 300 participants from various sectors.
Coimbatore: The third edition of the CII Conference on E-Mobility: Smart Transformation to E-Mobility: Way Forward that was virtually organized brought together 300 participants from various sectors including power and renewable energy, engineering, auto and automotive components, infrastructure, electronics, information and communication technology and real estate.
At the conference, key government leaders in charge of EV charging and investments amongst many other industrial pioneers shared their keynote perspectives.
Organized by CII Tamil Nadu, as part of its development initiatives, the flagship forums is being organised over the years to create awareness and convene thoughts in the way forward for e-mobility, especially in Tamil Nadu.
In a press note issued by the organizers, it was stated “There is significant push for green mobility from the central and state governments. Between 2017 and 2020, 15 Indian states have either notified or drafted state Electric Vehicle (EV) policies. Given, the progressive status of the EV market in the country what will be way forward and what are push pull factors for making the adoption of electric mobility faster and smoother. The 3rd Edition Conference will call for a multi-stakeholder dialogue with senior industry, business and government leaders deliberating on strategic approach to electric mobility.”
Mr Rajesh Lakhoni Chairman and Managing Director of TANGEDCO delivering the keynote address mentioned that TANGEDCO is looking to reduce the barriers in setting up charging stations and government is in the process of deciding the least possible requirements to set up an EV charging station. He assured that the government is working on the models in a way that anyone with just a commercial electric supply would be able to setup EV charging stations and unlike the petroleum fuel stations these EV charging stations are visioned to have low to no requirements to setup.
He further highlighted that TANGEDCO’s motto is simplification and computerization and with this as goal significant progress is made. Overall there will not be complicated process for setting up charging stations, with remote operations as a key factor, while the topic of incentives is kindly being evaluated in different dimensions.
Pooja Kulkarni managing director and CEO of Guidance in the special address mentioned that Tamil Nadu has a strong electronics ecosystem of consumer electronics, IT, ITES and possess all the strengths to be a strong EV player and government is working to ensure Tamil Nadu becomes a global hub. She assured that the EV policies will certainly be favourable and government is keen to evolve this policy in the best interests of the industry.
She also pointed that, in addition to Chennai, markets like Coimbatore and Trichy are well suited to tap into EV Supply Chain, mainly perspective to motors and castings. Proposed EV Parks in Soolagiri and Manalur will be booster for EV in Tamil Nadu. She also mentioned that the state also has continuous and surplus supply of electricity which is also a big favour.
Ganesh Mani S Director- Production from Hyundai Motors India Ltd mentioned that Tamil Nadu has the ability to make products at competitive prices to the global markets and the well developed supply chain can quickly be able to cater to the needs of the EV market. He alerted that the electric cars that we are going to witness will be connected cars and associated technologies will be parts and parcels of e-mobility.
He also highlighted that skilling will be a key component and academia should align their curriculum for this. He also emphasized in this progress, MSMEs and start up-shave to be nurtured and embraced. While disruption is sure and its fast component players should also foresee that electrification alone is not happening, soon nitrogen and fuel cell based mobility will also happen and this has to be embraced by all of us, Ganesh Mani added.
Dr Srinivas Venu Conference Chairman and Executive Director of Powergear Ltd delivering the theme address mentioned that the transition is happening in e-mobility and he quoted that while transforming to renewable energy, a similar apprehension existed but both the country and state progressed significantly in renewable energy, similarly e-mobility in Tamil Nadu will see immense progress.
He highlighted that the residents and commercial entities is an important link and the intricacies has to be carefully looked in to reach E-Mobility to the last mile. He also pointed that the popular oil companies have already made initiatives in their outlets to set up charging centres in the next few years.
Sandeep Bangia Business Head - EV Charging Ecosystem, Home Automation, ESCO mentioned that penetration and expansion in to EV requires cohesive efforts from all stakeholders including industries, EV charging and battery providers, energy developers, government, bankers and consumers. He mentioned while the need for wide network is key, charging stations need not to be so cluttered to begin the transitions to EV. Awareness to consumers on EV is safer and reliable will help in the transition. He further highlighted that customers’ should have a pride in owning the EV.
George Rajkumar Convenor - CII TN Sustainability & Water Panel and Country President of Grundfos Pumps (P) Limited spoke on behalf of CII and vouched support for this special initiative.