Chandigarh, July 22: Haryana Transport Minister, Sh. Anil Vij today said that the present state government is committed to encouraging pollution-free transportation and is therefore keen on promoting electric vehicles (EVs) across the state. He added that challenges such as charging infrastructure, which people are currently facing in adopting EVs, will be resolved soon. He further said that if EV companies propose any schemes or plans—like a full-package scheme—for promoting EV sales and infrastructure development, the government will actively consider and implement it.
Sh. Vij was presiding over a meeting in Chandigarh with representatives from leading electric vehicle manufacturers across India, including Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Motors, Hyundai Motors, MG Motors, and Kia Motors. Present in the meeting were Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department, Sh. T.L. Satyaprakash, Transport Commissioner, Sh. Atul Dwivedi and other senior transport officers.
EV companies should focus on infrastructure expansion like Charging Station etc. – Vij
During the meeting, Sh. Vij told the automaker representatives that the government wants to boost EV adoption in Haryana and expects that an adequate number of charging stations should be available on roads, national highways, and state highways. He also said that companies must ensure charging infrastructure so that their EVs can run smoothly on the roads.
Referring to a recent meeting held by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Sh. Nitin Gadkari, Sh. Vij said that he had suggested to the central government that people often travel long distances in personal vehicles and should have access to quality rest stops along the journey, offering toilets, refreshments, and seating facilities including charging stations, which are generally lacking at petrol pumps. He urged companies to develop such facilities to support EV adoption, making them more attractive and convenient for users.
The State Government will provide full support to promote EVs in Haryana – Vij
Sh. Vij urged the company representatives that selling EVs should not be the only goal; rather, developing supporting infrastructure should also be a core objective. This will ensure that users do not face difficulties in owning and operating EVs. He reassured the companies that the Haryana Government will extend full cooperation in promoting electric vehicles. If the companies suggest comprehensive schemes (full-package schemes) for setting up EV infrastructure as well as boosting vehicle sales, the government will review and implement those suggestions.
Compare the Cost of Electric Vehicles with Conventional Petrol and Diesel Vehicles – Vij
During the meeting, Sh. Vij advised representatives to compare the operating costs of EVs with those of petrol and diesel vehicles to promote the financial benefits of EVs and help users make informed decisions. He suggested that EV companies conduct technical studies to plan infrastructure development and choose Haryana as a pilot project location, assuring complete support from the state. He said that if EV consumers in Haryana get proper infrastructure like charging stations, it will create a win-win situation for both users and manufacturers—benefitting consumers while supporting company growth.
After the meeting, Sh. Vij took test drives of several electric vehicles, including BE-6 from Mahindra & Mahindra, Harrier EV from Tata Motors, M-9 from MG Motors, Creta EV from Hyundai. He also sat in the Kia EV6, reviewed the features of each vehicle, and shared his suggestions with company representatives.
Sh. Yash Sehgal (Tata Motors), Sh. Animesh Kumar (Hyundai), Sh. Robin Kumar Das and Ms. Pamela Tikku (Mahindra & Mahindra), Sh. Abhishek Mishra and Sh. Varun Sood (MG Motors) and Sh. Kapil Bindal (Kia Motors) along with other representatives and senior officers.
