Dr B Thomas (Special correspondent)
T
he cost of Electric Vehicles should be affordable for the common man.Then only its usage could see an increase.The manufacturers should focus more on this aspect,Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said.
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating 152 EV charging stations and ‘EV Campaign 2022’ organised by BESCOM.
The Battery and Motor are the main parts of an eclectic vehicle.It is a matter of pride that they are being produced within the country under the ‘Atma Nirbhar’ mission.
The State government with its new EV policy has made BESCOM the nodal agency to establish charging stations at public places.
Battery swapping is another important aspect of EVs and it would be given importance in the coming days,Bommai said.
Importance for Renewable energy
The need to develop renewable energy sources is inevitable as the fossil fuels are depleting and they are harming the environment.
Electric vehicles play an important role in this regard.Right now Electric two wheelers are hitting the roads in large numbers and soon electric cars,buses and even multi-axle trucks would come to the market.
More research is needed in alternative energy sources to replace fossil fuels soon,Bommai said.
The State government has decided to induct more EV buses into BMTC.Karnataka is the largest producer of solar power in the country, he added.
Production of Hydrogen fuel
Storage of solar energy is a challenge and the PSP project has been launched in this regard in association with the union government.
Soon 2-3 PSP units are set to come up in Karnataka.
The State government has signed MoUs with two companies for production of Hydrogen fuel. Hydrogen is seen as the best among the renewable energy sources.
Prime Minister Modi has raised Ethanol blending in oil to 20% as part of the overall plan to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
These initiatives would reduce our import of oil to a great extent in the coming years,Bommai said.
Similarly an MoU has been signed for production of Ammonia from sea water.Ammonia is being used extensively in production of DAP fertilizers, he said.
Karnataka is progressive state with a strong research and technological foundation.The state is blessed with abundant talented human resources.
The State government is committed to take Karnataka to the pinnacle of development by making best use of all these advantages, Bommai said.
