Electric vehicle cluster on the anvil

BENGALURU: Considering the need to achieve zero emission in Bengaluru, the commerce department is aiming at setting up electric vehicle (EV) cluster with incubation spaces for startups.

Speaking to this newspaper, Gaurav Gupta, principal secretary, Department of Industries and Commerce, said the incubation spaces at the proposed EV cluster at Harohalli at the Outskirts of the city will have ample logistics and infrastructure for startups for research-oriented activities.

This cluster is being set up in consultation with the industry and is already at the advanced stage of identifying which of the components can be reared at the cluster. This enables the big companies to associate with smaller companies and create employment opportunities, too.

“Perhaps, Karnataka has 50 per cent of electric vehicles in India and it is the EV capital of the country. Battery technology is evolving and the incubation facilities help the industry to come out with better and cheaper solutions. Tackling range anxiety is the primary motive,” said Mr Gupta.

In this regard, the state government has written to the Union Ministry of Power to strengthen the charging infrastructure and to tackle the problems. The commerce and industry department has sought for subsidy from both the Union and state governments.