Answer: 

The government is pushing for electric mobility to address climate change and pollution, enhancing energy security and job creation. According to NITI Aayog, electric mobility can cut energy demand by 64% which translates into savings of Rs 3.9 lakh crores. The share of electric vehicles is rising throughout the globe. For example, more than 80% cars sold in Norway were electric in 2022. Investment in EV manufacturing is rising to meet the demand.

• Lower running costs: The running cost of an electric vehicle is much lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. Electric vehicles use electricity to charge their batteries instead of using fossil fuels like petrol or diesel.
• Low maintenance cost: Electric vehicles have very low maintenance costs because they don’t have as many moving parts as an internal combustion vehicle.
• Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Driving an electric vehicle can help you reduce your carbon footprint because there will be zero tailpipe emissions.
• Tax and financial benefits: Registration fees and road tax on purchasing electric vehicles are lesser than petrol or diesel vehicles.

• Raw Material: Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel etc. are required for EV manufacturing. India imports these minerals. Thus, locations near the port are suitable.
• For example, Kochi and Mumbai.
• Market: Urban centers where average daily driving distance is less than 100 km can provide a good market.
• For example, EV can travel approximately 300 km on one charge.
• Labour: EV manufacturing requires skilled and semi-skilled workforce.
• For example, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad have a large pool of skilled workforce which makes them potential sites for EV manufacturing.
• Government Policies: Subsidies and tax incentives are crucial to set up EVs manufacturing facilities.
• For example, several state governments are providing incentives to set up e-vehicle manufacturing units.
• Agglomeration effect: Existing Industrial regions can offer labor, credit and other forward-backward linkages.
• For example, Delhi-Gurgaon region.
• R&D: The EV/battery industry's R&D powers new technologies.

India has a unique opportunity to take up a leadership role in Electric Vehicles, emerge as a global manufacturer and become AatmaNirbhar in the EV sector. Renewable energy should be promoted along with increased spending on R&D on battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells to make India an EV hub.