Every EV in India Must Run on Clean Energy: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, on Tuesday called on corporates and fleet operators to adopt renewable sources like solar energy for charging electric vehicles (EVs). He emphasized that this would not only reduce India’s dependence on oil imports but also help cut emissions.

Speaking at the fleet launch of Refex Mobility in Delhi, Joshi said, “Our vision is clear—every EV in India should run on clean energy. Charging and recharging must happen entirely through renewables.”

The minister informed that out of India’s total installed power capacity of 495 GW, nearly 50%—about 253 GW—comes from renewable energy. He further stressed that EVs can reach their true potential only when powered by solar energy.

Joshi added that the ministry, through the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), is strengthening the EV ecosystem. IREDA is offering financial assistance of up to 80% of project costs for EV fleet owners as well as for those setting up charging infrastructure.

Highlighting the government’s parallel push on green hydrogen, Joshi said, “Under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, we are scripting a new chapter of clean transportation. So far, five pilot projects have been approved in the transport sector, covering 37 hydrogen-fueled vehicles supported by 9 new hydrogen refueling stations.”