EVs to Cost Same as Petrol Vehicles in 4–6 Months: Nitin Gadkari
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that electric vehicles (EVs) in India will be priced the same as petrol-powered vehicles within the next four to six months. Speaking at the 20th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Gadkari emphasized that transitioning to affordable clean energy is crucial for both economic and environmental reasons.
The minister noted that India currently spends around ₹22 lakh crore annually on fuel imports, describing it as both an economic burden and a threat to the environment. According to Gadkari, adopting electric and biofuel-based transportation will not only help reduce pollution but also strengthen the country’s economy.
“Within the next 4 to 6 months, the cost of electric vehicles will be equivalent to that of petrol vehicles,” Gadkari stated. He also highlighted the government’s commitment to making India the world’s leading automobile market within the next five years.
“When I took charge as Transport Minister, the size of India’s automobile industry was ₹14 lakh crore. Today, it stands at ₹22 lakh crore,” he said, adding that this rapid growth has positioned India just behind the U.S. and China.
Gadkari further pointed out that farmers have earned ₹45,000 crore by producing ethanol from corn and other crops, thus bolstering the biofuel ecosystem. He also announced an upcoming initiative to use segregated solid waste for road construction by 2027, turning waste into a valuable resource.
Emphasizing the role of education, Gadkari urged higher education institutions to integrate innovative technologies and skill-based learning into their curricula. “India’s strength lies in its young, talented, and skilled manpower. With the right education and skills, we can lead globally,” he concluded.
