Nitin Gadkari Unveils the Roadmap: Electric Vehicle Revolution in India

Gadkari, known for his creative style, explained the complexities of EV pricing, laying out an intriguing proposal to make EVs financially competitive with traditional petrol and diesel automobiles.

According to Nitin Gadkari, the cost of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles, is a game changer. He revealed that when EVs were debuted, the batteries cost $150 per kilowatt-hour. Today, it is down drastically to $112 per kWh. According to Gadkari, the magic threshold is $100. Once the battery cost reaches $100 per kWh, the prices of EVs and conventional vehicles will be comparable.

Understanding EV Mathematics of Nitin Gadkari

To understand the significance, examine the present difference of $12, and you’ll see the start of a new era in the car industry. According to Nitin Gadkari’s estimates, price parity is a tangible aim rather than a faraway ideal.

The cost of lithium-ion batteries is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which determines the vehicle’s range when fully charged. Gadkari’s statement encourages a closer examination of the dollars/kWh dynamics and their implications for the future of EVs in India.

The Cost Breakdown: An Insight into EV Economics Nitin Gadkari

Let’s get into the numbers. Initially priced at $150 per kWh, or Rs 12,430, lithium-ion batteries had a significant role in deciding EV prices. Consider a hypothetical scenario in which a vehicle has a 40 kWh battery. The projected cost is Rs 12,430 * 40 = Rs 4,97,200. This cost accounts for a large chunk, ranging from 50% to 60% of the entire vehicle price, making EVs appear more expensive than their gasoline or diesel equivalents.

However, Gadkari’s optimism is based on the developing landscape of EV batteries. With coordinated efforts in R&D, particularly in China and India, the cost of a 40 kWh battery has been cut to Rs 3,71,240 (40 * $112). Gadkari envisions this cost to further drop to Rs 3,31,480 when the battery price reaches $100 per kWh.

A look of the EV range and infrastructure.

Addressing worries regarding EV range and the requirement for battery replacements, Nitin Gadkari expressed confidence in the current capabilities. With a full charge providing a range of 400 kilometers, EVs easily satisfy daily travel demands, averaging 40-50 kilometers. He stressed that for local commuting, the existing charging infrastructure is enough, reducing the need for frequent battery swaps.

Finally, Gadkari’s futuristic vision goes beyond pricing parity. He estimates around 670 charging stations to facilitate long-distance travel, forming a robust charging network similar to fuel pumps. This strategic roadmap places India at the forefront of the global EV revolution, moving the country toward a more sustainable and financially viable automotive future.