We organized a panel discussion on “The Shift to Electric Vehicles: Are We Ready?” in association with Kerala Startup Mission and WTC Barcelona. Panelists included – Polash Das, Head eMobility, Convergence Energy Services Limited; Prity Singh, Managing Director, Elocity India; Irfan Khan, CEO, Ebikego and Sandith Thandasherry, CEO, NavAlt. Krishna Kumar, Author & Strategic Thinker; CEO, GreenPepper moderated the session

Polash Das spoke about the government’s strategy to act as a facilitator to promote growth of the EV industry rather than be an active player. State governments have taken specific policies on demand, supply, infrastructure, battery disposal et. There are specific incentive schemes like performance link incentive scheme, advanced chemistry PLI scheme and the already established subsidy given to EV buyers. Prity Singh explained how the authorities are providing assistance to private manufacturers so that EVs would be made in India. She also added that in India there is more demand for 2 wheelers and now more players are emerging in that field. EV vehicles also has a lower operational cost. Sandith Thandasherry applauded the government’s efforts in mobilizing EVs and the PLI scheme that would enable Lithium cells to be built in India. Ancillary services and parts manufacturing is an opportunity for MSMEs. He also pointed out the lack of finance options for the electric boat industry.

Vivek George, Manager World Trade Center and Sandeep Raj, Coordinator, WTC Kochi also spoke.