The Indian government is actively discussing a timeline for phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles as part of its commitment to promoting green powertrains, Hanif Qureshi, IPS, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Heavy Industries, revealed at the India EV Conclave on Tuesday.
Speaking at the two-day event organized by Autocar Professional at Hyatt Regency Delhi, Qureshi acknowledged that while discussions are underway regarding an end date for ICE vehicles, the timeline is “still in the works” and no definitive date has been announced.
The admission marks a significant policy development, as India joins a growing list of countries exploring sunset dates for fossil fuel-powered vehicles. However, the government appears to be taking a measured approach, balancing environmental commitments with the automotive industry’s preparedness and consumer market dynamics.
Qureshi emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting green powertrains across all segments, indicating a multi-pronged strategy that includes not only electric vehicles but also alternative fuels such as compressed biogas (CBG) and other biofuels. “The shift towards not only electric but also biofuels such as CBG, and also a focus on skilling together will make India competitive,” Qureshi stated, suggesting that the government envisions a diversified approach to decarbonizing transportation rather than relying solely on electrification.
Several countries have already announced ICE phase-out dates. The European Union has set 2035 as the deadline for selling new combustion engine cars, while the United Kingdom has targeted 2030, though with some recent adjustments to 2035. Norway aims for 2025, while several U.S. states have set 2035 targets. India’s approach appears more flexible, potentially allowing for multiple powertrain technologies during the transition period.
This pragmatic stance recognizes the country’s diverse transportation needs, varying levels of infrastructure development across regions, and the economic considerations of its large automotive industry, which ranks as the fifth largest globally and is expected to become the third largest by 2030.
The automotive sector is already responding to the evolving policy landscape. Major manufacturers have announced significant EV investments, with companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, and Hyundai committing billions to electric vehicle development and production. However, industry stakeholders have consistently called for policy certainty to plan long-term investments. A clear timeline for ICE phase-out would help manufacturers, suppliers, and infrastructure providers make informed decisions about technology development, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain investments.
Any ICE phase-out timeline will need to be synchronized with the development of adequate charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing capacity, and skilled workforce. India currently has approximately 25,000 charging stations, far short of the estimated 1.8 million required to support widespread EV adoption by 2030. The government’s ongoing discussions likely encompass these practical considerations, including grid capacity, renewable energy integration, battery recycling facilities, and the need for a just transition that accounts for employment in traditional automotive sectors.
The ICE discussion is part of India’s broader commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070. Transportation accounts for a significant portion of the country’s carbon footprint, making the automotive sector’s transition crucial to meeting climate targets. Qureshi’s comments at the conclave suggest that while the government remains committed to green mobility, it is approaching the transition with pragmatism, considering technological readiness, market dynamics, and the need to maintain India’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub.
The India EV Conclave continues on Wednesday with panel discussions on charging infrastructure, battery innovation, and supply chain resilience.