HIGHLIGHTS-
- Maharashtra government has launched a separate EV cell to boost the electric mobility transition.
- The cell aims to accelerate the ‘transition and adoption of electric vehicles.
- ‘Only the beginning’ of a “long journey in this hour of climate emergency: Aditya Thackeray
Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Aditya Thackeray has launched a special cell in Mumbai. The cell aims to accelerate the ‘transition and adoption of electric vehicles. The ‘Mumbai EV Cell’ was launched in collaboration with WRI India and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Mumbai Electric vehicle Cell
“Mumbai Electric vehicle Cell will bring together government officials, e-mobility specialists, and representatives from the electric vehicle sector. It would help policymakers promote electric vehicles by building charging infrastructure in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, providing easy credit for the purchase of electric vehicles, and implementing cutting-edge technologies for in-vehicle batteries.” The BMC stated in a press release.
“Only the beginning”
State Environment Minister Thackeray described the collaboration as ‘Only the beginning’ of a “long journey in this hour of climate emergency. “Grateful to BMC, BEST buses, and most importantly, Mumbaikars, who are crucial stakeholders in our efforts towards sustainable development,” tweeted Thackeray.
Electric vehicle acceptance
Thackeray emphasized the general public’s acceptance of EVs, stating that since the announcement of the EV policy in July 2021, EV registration in Maharashtra has increased by 157 percent.
Intends to promote electric vehicles in the city
BMC launched its first electric vehicle charging station in the city at Kohinoor Public Parking Lot in Dadar in August 2021. In the coming years, the BMC aims to set up around 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city. Thackeray declared in October of last year that Mumbai’s BEST buses would be converted to electric buses by 2028. The BEST currently has 386 electric buses on the road.
