New Delhi: The use of hydrogen for mobility is an “interesting alternative” for India, especially because it will reduce dependence on Lithium imports, Chief Maruti Suzuki, Indian best-selling car makers, said on Monday.
The demand for lithium for batteries is soaring because the government around the world encourages cars to meet strict targets to cut carbon emissions, partly by removing internal combustion engines.
In India, however, the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) by slow car makers due to high battery costs, as well as inadequate charging infrastructure.
India also does not have lithium reserves, the majority is controlled by China globally.
This makes EV difficult to sell in countries like India where per capita income is around $ 2,000, or about 5% of it in Europe and Japan, and 95% of cars are sold at a price of under $ 20,000, Chief Maruti RC Bhargava told holders Stocks in the Annual Report Company.
“We need to realize that our strategy to move towards net zero emissions must be consistent with the economic conditions and infrastructure applicable in this country,” Bhargava said.
To reduce fuel consumption and emissions, Maruti encourages car sales operating on compressed natural gas (CNG), and also invests in hybrid technology, he said, adding that “the use of hydrogen is also an interesting alternative”.
Suzuki Motor Corp., which controls Maruti, also prioritizes the development of clean technology that is suitable for the Indian market, said Bhargava, adding that the Suzuki Alliance with Toyota Motor Corp in Japan will be proven valuable for this effort.
Bhargava’s comments came as a debate around EVS was collecting steam in India, with Tesla Inc.
lobbying the government to reduce import duties with electric cars.
Tesla’s demands have polarized the Indian car industry, with South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co.
– which has part of around 18% of the country’s car market and is the closest competitor of Maruti – supporting tax deductions on imports.
Maruti’s comments in supporting Hydrogen also came on weeks after Mukesh Ambani, Chair of the Reliance Refiner industry, said he would invest $ 10 billion in clean energy, including preparing GIGA factories to produce fuel cells and green hydrogen.