Towards a Greener Future - Feature

Telangana Government and Altius Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd organized Hyderabad E-Motor Show 2023 from February 8-10 at HITEX Exhibition Center. The event was a part of the state’s ambitious plans for the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, serving as a platform for the attendees to witness the strengths and capabilities of the sector with significant global participation.

Proudly being the ‘first of its kind’ in Telangana, Hyderabad, and an initiative by the state government, as cited by Dr SK Sharma, Additional Director - Industries Promotion, ITE&C Department, Government of Telangana, the E-Motor Show hosted EV manufacturers (2W, 3W, and 4W), commercial EVs, energy storage companies, charging infrastructure, and EV component manufacturers, as well as startups from around the world. Sprawled across an area of 10,500 sq mt, the show was part of the Hyderabad E-Mobility Week. 
The show, inaugurated at the hands of KT Rama Rao, Hon’ble Industries and Commerce Minister of Telangana, featured 43 exhibitors and attracted around 6,050 visitors. A delegation of the West Bengal Transport Corporation also marked their presence at the show. According to Rajeev Arora, Director, Altius Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd, the Telangana government is pushing hard for EV usage and EV manufacturing in Telangana. In this backdrop, this event was held to attract investment in Telangana.
One of the biggest takeaways from the E-Motor Show, as per Dr Sharma, is the opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest developments in electric mobility and sustainable transportation. “By seeing and experiencing the latest electric vehicles, technologies, and infrastructure, attendees can gain a deeper understanding of how electric mobility is evolving and its impact on the environment and society,” he mentions. “Another takeaway is the networking and collaboration opportunities the 
event provides.”

Government Support
The Union Budget 2023 has proposed several initiatives to promote electric vehicle adoption in India. Some of the key initiatives that will affect the entire EV life cycle, according to Dr Sharma, are: Reduction of GST rates on EVs from 12 percent to 5 percent; Key incentives for EV manufacturers to set up charging infrastructure; Focus on R&D, like the proposed setting up of the National Centre for Electric Mobility (NCEM) to focus on developing new battery technologies, motors, and charging infrastructure; and Scrappage policy that incentivizes replacing old vehicles with new, fuel-efficient ones, including electric vehicles. He further asserts, “These initiatives will impact the entire lifecycle of electric vehicles positively.”
While governments are encouraging EV adoption and manufacturing, there is still much to be imported in the segment, according to Arora. “The Union Budget had few incentives, but the industry was expecting a reduction in input raw materials for electric vehicles.”

Adoption in Telangana and Tier 2/3 cities
Dr Sharma addresses the fact that the Indian EV industry faces several challenges, including high costs, limited infrastructure, low awareness, and insufficient central government support. “EVs are expensive, making them unaffordable for many customers. Range anxiety and a lack of charging facilities also hinder adoption,” he says. “The Telangana State Government has announced policies to promote EV adoption with tax breaks, subsidies, and concessional loans for charging stations. The State Government and industry can collaborate on green transportation options.” Asserting that Government incentives and subsidies can boost EV adoption and charging facilities, as well as that the industry can focus on affordable, regional EV solutions, he concludes, “Telangana Government and industry must collaborate to solve EV sector challenges and promote sustainable and green transportation solutions. They can foster EV adoption and accelerate the country’s clean and green mobility shift by working together.”
“The slow incorporation of EVs in tier 2 and 3 cities and towns is indeed a concern for the EV industry,” points out Dr Sharma. The EV industry and the Telangana government are working to raise awareness and encourage EV adoption in smaller cities and towns to address this issue. Stating that to provide EV users with charging, these areas will get charging infrastructure. He went on to assert that tax breaks, EV subsidies, and concessional loans for charging stations are among the Telangana government’s EV benefits. On the other hand, the industry is also developing affordable and localized EV solutions for customers in smaller towns. “While adoption is
slower than in bigger cities,” he says, “the focus is on sustainable and long-term solutions to expedite India’s clean and green mobility transition.”
However, some Tier 2 & 3 cities are witnessing an increase in EV adoption because their residents travel less and have less range anxiety. As Arora shares: “Warangal, a Tier 2 city, has more EV density than Hyderabad. Even in North India, the rural belt from Rohtak to Sirsa, as well as Kerala’s rural areas, have the most EVs. Rural people are adopting it more because fuel stations are 15 km away, and they only have to drive 10-50 km.” He further adds that Telangana and some other states are power-plus states. There is more acceptance and penetration of EVs in Tier 2 & 3 cities. Drawing a comparison between Telangana, Odisha, Bengal, and UP (Delhi), he said that Tier 2 & 3 cities in these states have more three-wheeled electric rickshaws.
Event USPs
“Some of the event highlights included new electric vehicle models, breakthroughs in battery and charging technology, and discussions on the future of the electric vehicle market,” says Dr Sharma. “Additionally, Hyderabad witnessed presentations and speeches from industry leaders, experts, and policymakers. It is possible that new sessions or events could be introduced at next year’s expo.”
Furthermore, there was an equal emphasis on retrofitting at the E-Motor Show. To this end, Arora highlights, “We are emotionally attached and love our cars. People don’t want to throw away their cars even after 10 years, so retrofitting companies are springing up. Old cars will soon be replaced by electric vehicles.” Citing the advantage of retrofitting, he asserts that it will be less expensive than buying a new vehicle, and people will be able to keep their old one too.
HITEX, the Right Stage
Telangana is home to leading automotive companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, ZF Group, and Hyundai Motor India Ltd, who participated in the maiden edition of the Hyderabad E-Motor Show, as did Apollo Tyres Ltd, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, Citroën India, TVS Motor Company, ETO Motors Pvt Ltd, Ola Electric Mobility Pvt Ltd, MG Motor India Pvt Ltd, SWITCH Mobility Ltd, Piaggio Vehicles Pvt Ltd, Hawk Ev Pvt Ltd, Altius Ev Tech Pvt Ltd, Soni E Vehicle Pvt Ltd, Elisium Motors, and BYD Auto Co, Ltd.
HITEX, a modern, state-of-the-art venue for large events and exhibitions in Hyderabad, has held several international events. “One of the venue’s key aspects that may align with the values of the E-Motor Show is its focus on sustainability,” emphasizes Dr Sharma. 
“HITEX has implemented several measures to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices, such as using EV chargers, recycling waste, and promoting eco-friendly transportation options.” Given that the E-Motor Show is an event that promotes electric mobility and sustainable transportation, he says, the organizers have chosen HITEX as a venue that aligns with these values. He further adds, “The E Motor Show can further demonstrate its commitment to promoting a greener future by choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability.”
Against this backdrop, Arora emphasizes that Telangana has the most EV manufacturers, especially 2-wheeler manufacturers; hence, it was corollary to organize the show in Hyderabad. The natural choice for the venue was HITEX Exhibition Center, as it has an expansive exhibition ground. The team at HITEX extended all their support to ensure a smooth sail for a successful show.  

“Given that the E-Motor Show is an event that promotes electric mobility and sustainable transportation, the organizers have chosen HITEX as a venue that aligns with these values. The E-Motor Show can further demonstrate its commitment to promoting a greener future by choosing a venue that prioritizes sustainability.”

Dr SK Sharma
Additional Director -
Industries Promotion
ITE&C Department
Government of Telangana
“Telangana has the most EV manufacturers, particularly 2-wheeler manufacturers; hence, it was the corollary to organize the show in Hyderabad. The natural choice for the venue was HITEX Exhibition Center, as it has an expansive exhibition ground. The team at HITEX extended all their support to ensure a smooth sail for a successful show.”

Rajeev Arora
Director
Altius Auto Solutions Pvt Ltd
The Telangana State Government has announced policies to promote EV adoption with tax breaks, subsidies, and concessional loans for charging stations. The State Government and industry can collaborate on green transportation options. Government incentives and subsidies can boost EV adoption and charging facilities, as well as the industry’s focus on affordable, regional EV solutions.