Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Mr. Nitin Gadkari has claimed that Electric Car prices will be same as Petrol Cars in coming 6 Months!

Electric vehicles (EVs) in India will soon cost the same as petrol-powered cars, according to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Speaking at the 32nd Convergence India and 10th Smart Cities India Expo, he stated that within the next six months, EV prices will be on par with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Government’s Vision for Affordable EVs

Gadkari highlighted the government’s commitment to cost-effective, pollution-free, and locally produced vehicles. The key challenge remains the high cost of EVs, primarily due to imported battery packs, which account for nearly 70-75% of an EV’s cost. However, with plans to boost domestic lithium-ion battery production, EV prices are expected to drop significantly.

Infrastructure Development & Policy Changes

The minister also emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to support India’s goal of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He confirmed that the construction of the 212-km Delhi-Dehradun expressway will be completed within the next three months. Additionally, the government is working on expanding EV charging infrastructure, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

A major policy shift is also in the pipeline, with plans to reduce import duties on EVs from the current 110% to just 15%. This move has already drawn interest from global manufacturers such as Tesla and VinFast, potentially leading to more affordable EV options in India.

Current EV Market in India

At present, the most affordable electric car in India is the MG Comet, priced at Rs. 4.99 lakh (ex-showroom). However, it comes with a Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model, where users pay Rs. 2.50 per km. On the other hand, larger electric SUVs start at ₹20 lakh, making them less accessible to the average buyer.

With localized battery production and government initiatives, EVs could soon match petrol car prices, making electric mobility more viable for Indian consumers.