As a proponent of eco-consciousness, how would you define sustainable development specifically within the context of the automotive industry?
Sustainable development is whatever we do, should not spoil our ecosystem. Whether it’s about electric cars or bullet trains. We should not disturb, and our coming generations should be in a better state.
What role do events and exhibitions, such as the India International EV Show, play in driving awareness, knowledge-sharing, and business opportunities for sustainable development in the automotive industry?
The main research and development are done by the companies and there are billions of dollars, for which a platform has to be set, where the industry professionals can take leverage on information, and business opportunities. The Exhibitions are thus creating a platform as we need a ‘touch and feel factor’, so they fall into the realm of conversation, the only platform where clients pay on their own.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges that the Indian automotive industry faces in achieving sustainable growth?
Battery! Disposal of batteries, charging of batteries by fossil fuel. If we could overcome this issue and generate electricity through alternate means i.e., solar, hydrogen, but the most important is the platform is ready. Now, just the battery issue. Graphene batteries, I hear charge within 5 seconds, last for 20-50 years, and are coming soon. Infrastructure takes time. It will be faster than the fossil fuel filling up your car.
How important is collaboration among different stakeholders, such as government, industry, and research institutions, in achieving sustainable growth in the automotive sector?
Yes, of course! In today’s world, you cannot live alone. You need all these bodies, as we are interdependent. How will bodies survive if left independent? I feel, creating the platform and bringing all these bodies under one umbrella would cater to the needs of the public.
Government policies and incentives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable development. What are your views on the current policy landscape, and what changes or improvements would you like to see to further accelerate the progress towards a greener future?
What I feel is that the governments entail crucial benefits like money and infrastructure. NSME and all departments are doing a great job, but the vision is lacking. It is the needs, support systems, and funds. The government should organise buyer-seller needs every month and that is exactly how this issue would be resolved. Technology transfer needs, new technologies, would then serve.
Innovation plays a critical role in driving sustainable development. How do you encourage and support innovation within the automotive industry, particularly in areas such as alternative fuels, lightweight materials, and smart mobility solutions?
Graphene is a disruptive technology that can change the entire world. I feel hydrogen cells, carbon, and hydrogen are the most successful. So, if there could be a way, we unleash hydrogen in a cheaper way, we’ll be able to change and get non-polluting.
The circular economy is gaining momentum as a sustainable approach to resource management. How do you envision the implementation of circular economy principles within the Indian automotive industry?
It is needed that we adopt a circular economy because whatever we produce has to be recycled and reproduced. If we cannot, over some time, this would be another headache. Disposal of batteries? If you don’t believe in a circular economy, you’re another disaster! We have to be willing to make it long-lasting.
As the Indian automotive industry transitions towards electric vehicles, how do you see the integration of renewable energy sources to power these vehicles?
It is advantageous when we get everything from our natural resources such as solar, wind power, and all. If we could harness it more, because right now, the solar cells are only giving 20-25% of efficiency whereas I think we need to increase it to 75-80%, so we are yet to harness it to run on solar energy. Then we are ahead of all these problems.
Looking beyond electric vehicles, what other sustainable transportation solutions or technologies do you see emerging in the Indian automotive industry?
I feel that electric vehicles will be evolved, evolved as in self-charging vehicles, and they wouldn’t be dependent on any energy sources such as induction current, etc. The future belongs to electricity, but it has to be in a different format.
Could you provide an overview of Eco Green Infrastructure and Development Pvt Ltd and its mission to build an eco-conscious society? What are your offerings to the automotive industry?
Eco Green does a fantastic job because we repair potholes. We are the only company in India that can repair potholes in the rainy season. In India, 13,000 people are dying due to potholes, and 70% of reports do not mention the clear reason and deceive it with road accidents. We save lives and that is how we contribute to societal needs and expectations.
What are some of the key initiatives or strategies that Futurex Trade Fair and Events Pvt Ltd is undertaking to promote sustainability within the automotive sector?
We are committed to providing the platform for innovators, buyers, sellers, and incrementors and bringing them under one roof. We have a key role to play and we are proud of it.
How do you envision the future of the Indian automotive industry in terms of sustainable development, and what steps do you believe are necessary to achieve that vision?
Environment be specific to it. Don’t cater to any development that will harm the environment!
I feel that battery development, hydrogen and oxygen cells, and alternative fuels should be adopted but not in a hurry of adopting technology. Sustainable is good! What the EV industry needs is standardisation. The circular economy can run wherein the disposals could be used and recycled.