January 18, 2002

‘45’

AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY URGED TO DEVELOP INITIATIVES FOR RELIABLE AND COMPETITIVE PRODUCTION OF FUEL CELL AND HYDROGEN VEHICLES.

   The Government has urged the Automobile Industry to develop initiatives for reliable and competitive production of fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles. Speaking while inaugurating the Seminar on Alternative Energy Driven Vehicles as part of the 7^th Auto Expo, here today, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Non-Conventional Energy Sources, Shri M. Kannappan said that electric vehicles are now commercially available in the country. However, two major constraints related to battery powered electric vehicles namely high cost and limited range still need to be tackled. He called on the industry to appropriately address these and other issues as well.

    Shri Kannappan said that his Ministry has taken initiatives to develop and demonstrate hydrogen and fuel cell vehicles in the country. A fuel cell vehicle and a few hydrogen powered motor cycles are already in operation in Chennai and Varanasi. The Minister said the Automobile Industry should market development initiatives for production of reliable and competitive fuel cell and hydrogen vehicles for their wider deployment on Indian roads.

    The Ministry is implementing a demonstration programme on battery-powered electric vehicles with involvement of State Nodal Agencies and Departments. Several State level Nodal Agencies like Tamil Nadu Energy Development Agency, Gujarat Energy Development Agency, West Bengal Renewable Energy Development Agency and Non-Conventional Energy Development Agency have taken a leading role in promoting electric vehicles in their respective States. The Agra Development Authority has been successfully operating eco-friendly electric vehicles in the Green Taj Mahal belt..

    Shri Kannappan announced that his Ministry has sanctioned a pilot project for demonstration and field performance evaluation of 300 battery operated electric three-wheelers in Agra and other cities. Some companies including Bharat Heavy Electrical Ltd., Scooters India Limited, Mahindra Eco Mobiles Ltd. And Reva Electric Car Company are making and selling battery operated passenger vehicles in the country.

    Research efforts have been mounted for the development of quick refueling technologies, reliable fuel cell components and fuel cell stack production and integration, materials development, production of hydrogen and cost reduction.

    In addition, the Ministry is working on a "Policy Analytical study for the utilisation of alcohol blends and other bio-fuels in petrol and diesel vehicles". The Inaugural Session of the Seminar was also addressed by the Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Shiela Dikshit.

    The Auto-Expo is displaying energy-efficient, environment friendly and silent vehicles to create a demonstrative effect and promote awareness among the general public.