• The Auto Expo 2020 bears witness to the tectonic transition from the internal combustion engine to the electric engine
• Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has asked the auto industry and governments around the world to take a 'measured view' on propulsion systems for cars of the future
The Indian automobile sector is going through a churn. The prolonged gloom induced by depleted sales numbers and a slowing consumption is also paving way for the auto makers to introduce innovative products in the market to revive demand. One of the leap of faith in the auto sector is slew of launches by various automakers in the electric segment.
Auto Expo 2020 bears witness to the tectonic transition from internal combustion engines to electric engines. Though the 'green' shift look perfectly in sync with global climate demands and the changing customer preference, the imposition of the shift has been questioned by many industry's stalwarts.
Speaking on the subject of future mobility, Ratan Tata, former chairman of Tata Sons, has asked the auto industry and governments around the world to take a 'measured view' on propulsion systems for cars of the future. Ratan Tata hinted at the governments to be realistic while drawing plans for smoother transition which also includes efficient combustion engines and hybrids.
The statement comes in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government's policies in last three which support EVs over combustion engines. Tata also suggested that any legislation on the issue should be grounded to reality.
The octogenarian industrialist, through an Instagram post, also opined that the shift to an all-EV regime is difficult given that the charging infrastructure in India is limited. "The jump to all-EV is difficult, especially without omnipresent charging infrastructure," he said.
Ratan Tata also urged governments across the world to take a comprehensive view of the propulsion system used across the auto industry. "I would hope that the governments of the world and the auto industry can take a measured view on the propulsion system for the car of the future," Tata said.
Ratan Tata's critique is a timely reminder for both the auto industry and the government that the ICE, electric and hybrids do have the potential to flourish until we reach a stage where the infrastructure is ready to push one forward.