EVs to have a defining FY21: Sohinder Gill

The Indian Electric Vehicle (EV) market has grown by 20% in FY20 over the last year. Electric scooters have contributed towards 97% of the growth. In a telephonic interview, Sohinder Gill, Director General, Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), says that despite the industry expected to lose out six to seven months due to the pandemic, EVs will have a defining FY21 with no de-growth. TOS: A 20% growth in EV sales is promising in FY20. How do you see FY21 panning out considering the COVID-19 pandemic will create a challenging environment for the entire automotive industry? SG: Earlier, electric two-wheeler and car makers were thinking of doubling their figures this year (FY21). But I believe now with six months or not, they would be doing as much as they did in FY20. There would not be any de-growth. The growth in E-Buses depends upon the government decisions. In FY20, the EV industry sold 156,000 electric vehicles. Out of this, 152,000 were two-wheelers, 3400 cars and 600 buses. There has been a 20% growth over the corresponding year (FY19) with 126,000 two-wheelers, 3600 cars and around 400 buses, making a total of 130,000 units.  Meanwhile, E-Rickshaws that are still largely