EVs Are an Alternative, Not Yet a Complete Replacement for ICE Vehicles: Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green Energy

New Delhi : Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining acceptance in India, particularly for daily urban commuting, but they should currently be viewed as an alternative rather than a complete replacement for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, according to industry experts.

“Most EV users charge their vehicles overnight at home and use them throughout the day without requiring public charging infrastructure. For two-wheelers and three-wheelers, the available range of 100–150 kilometres is generally sufficient to meet daily mobility needs. EV owners charge their vehicles at home during the night and comfortably use them throughout the day. For urban travel, expensive fast chargers are often unnecessary, as regular home charging meets most requirements,” said Dr  Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder & CEO, Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited speaking at a panel discussion panel discussion on “Planet, Policy & Progress: Building India’s Sustainable Future” organised by FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) on World Environment Day

“India is currently facing a classic “chicken-and-egg” situation where widespread EV adoption and charging network expansion must develop simultaneously. While the government initially entrusted public sector undertakings (PSUs) with establishing charging stations, several early projects faced challenges related to technology upgrades, location selection, and commercial viability.” Said Dr Motwani.

“However, the charging ecosystem is now witnessing increased private sector participation, which is expected to improve efficiency, accessibility, and investment in charging infrastructure . As charging infrastructure becomes a viable private business, it will naturally become more efficient and widespread. The ecosystem is beginning to mature, but it will take time,” she siad.

She encouraged consumers who already own a conventional vehicle to consider EVs as a second family car,The prices of Ev are considerably coming down. One can go for EV particularly for city driving. With several new electric models now offering ranges of 500–600 kilometres, range anxiety is gradually reducing and making EV ownership more practical.

She expressed confidence that India will eventually develop a robust network of highway charging stations supported by digital platforms that allow drivers to locate charging points with ease.

“EVs can ultimately replace ICE vehicles, but this transition will be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Increased EV adoption will drive further investment in charging infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle for the industry,” she added .

On the occasion FICCI Ladies Organisation ( FLO), the apex business women wing of FICCI announced  the launch of its Pan-India ‘Initiative on Waste Collection and Responsible Disposal’ aimed at encouraging conscious waste management practices and greater community participation towards building a cleaner and greener India.

“The FLO National Waste to Wealth Drive, a three-month sustainability initiative that will be implemented across FLO chapters nationwide. The objective is to encourage waste segregation, promote recycling, reduce landfill waste, and help members understand the true value of a circular economy.” Said Ms Puja Garg , National president, FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) while speaking at a panel discussion on “Planet, Policy & Progress: Building India’s Sustainable Future” on World Environment Day