Toyota India: Diverse Green Tech Vital for Energy Security and Self-Reliance

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Urges Multi-Technology Approach for India's Energy Security

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is calling for a diversified approach to green mobility in India, asserting that multiple technologies, not just battery electric vehicles (BEVs), are crucial for achieving national energy security and self-reliance goals. The company argues that India's vast geographical diversity, varying consumer acceptance, and infrastructure readiness necessitate a broader spectrum of solutions.

Diverse Technologies for Diverse Needs

Amidst evolving geopolitical situations that impact supply chains, TKM believes that battery electric vehicles, hybrids, flex-fuel vehicles, and emerging technologies like hydrogen all have a significant role. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice-President at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, told PTI that a singular focus on EVs is insufficient to tackle carbon emissions effectively. He highlighted that integrating various technologies is key to meeting national objectives.

National Objectives and Government Initiatives

Gulati emphasized that a combination of technologies, including ethanol, compressed biogas (CBG), and hydrogen, is essential for addressing localized pollution issues and contributing to energy security. This aligns with government initiatives like the ethanol program and the hydrogen mission, aimed at increasing the substitution of fossil fuels. The strategy also supports local manufacturing, job creation, and economic contribution from the manufacturing sector.

Strategic Fit for Indian Conditions

Specific technologies are better suited for different Indian conditions. For instance, Gulati noted that hybrid vehicles are ideal for congested urban environments like Delhi, where stop-start traffic allows the electric motor to operate efficiently. Toyota is committed to bringing all clean technologies that can impact sustainable mobility and aims to transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. The company's global commitment includes addressing six environmental challenges by 2015, with a focus on life-cycle carbon neutrality.

Path to Viability and Scale

The path to sustainable mobility in India must be paved with localization, according to TKM. While the company possesses a full suite of clean technologies, customer needs and local conditions remain paramount. Gulati pointed out that reducing manufacturing costs is imperative for the growth of the EV segment. He added that the industry cannot rely on continuous subsidies indefinitely; viability must be achieved through scale, driven by the introduction of more electrified technology products. The common adversary, Gulati concluded, is fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions, regardless of the chosen technological path.