Pune, Oct 14 Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday made a strong pitch for shifting to electric mobility, saying it would help reduce pollution, cost of logistics and bring down the USD exchange rate by Rs 20.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Energy in Motion electric truck manufacturing and battery assembly plant at Talegaon near Pune, he also called for scaling up the country’s battery manufacturing capabilities to reduce dependence on other countries.
“If India reaches 50 per cent EV adoption in its cars and transportation sector, replacing 50 per cent of the fuel currently consumed with electricity, we can bring down the dollar rate by Rs 20. Such is the potential of electric mobility,” he said.
Fadnavis congratulated Energy in Motion Managing Director and CEO Narendra Murkumbi and joint founder Dhruv Kotak for setting up the facility in a short time.
He said the company had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government on August 29, 2025, and moved swiftly to establish the plant.
“We sign MoUs, and they turn into Energy in Motion. I am happy to say this here,” he said, responding to questions often raised by the opposition about the implementation of investment commitments made through the agreements.
NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil were also present on the occasion.
CM Fadnavis said electric trucks could offer significant environmental and economic benefits, particularly by reducing the consumption of diesel and petroleum products.
He also highlighted the potential of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to support EV charging.
Referring to the technology showcased at the facility, Fadnavis said the electric trucks were designed to provide smoother driving, reduce driver fatigue and improve safety.
The battery-swapping system being developed for the vehicles would allow drivers to replace discharged batteries with charged ones in around four minutes at designated stations along transport corridors, reducing waiting time, he said.
The company was also working towards developing batteries that could be charged in around 20 minutes for its fully equipped trucks, the CM added.
“India needs to strengthen its domestic battery manufacturing capabilities and develop indigenous technologies to reduce dependence on other countries,” Fadnavis said.
“China is a leader in battery technology, but significant innovation is also taking place in India. Once this ecosystem develops, we will be able to manufacture efficient, fully Indian-made batteries,” he said, expressing confidence that Energy in Motion would expand its localisation and innovation efforts over the next two to three years.
Fadnavis said the state government would extend support to the company in establishing charging and battery-swapping stations, including assistance in making land available and facilitating necessary connections.
(PTI News)
