Multi-tech pathway approach must for self  reliance, achieve energy security goals: Toyota

Key Highlights

• “Given the diversity we have, the challenges of consumer acceptance, the infrastructure readiness, the energy mix, I think all of these technologies together will be needed to deliver on the national objectives of energy security, reduction in import of fossil fuels, overall, contributing towards local manufacturing, self reliance, creating jobs and contribution of manufacturing sector to the economy, as well as tackling the issue of carbon emissions and pollution,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor Country Head and  Country Head and Executive Vice-President Vikram Gulati told PTI in an interaction.
• He highlighted that the ethanol programme and the hydrogen mission were the two key initiatives from the government to increase the substitution of fossil fuels and contribute to energy security.
• Multiple technologies, including ethanol, CBG (compressed biogas), and hydrogen, are seen as critical for addressing localised pollution issues, Gulati said.
• He noted that hybrid vehicles were best suited for a place like Delhi, where the average driving speed is less due to congestion, with the electric motor working in such slow-moving and stop-start situations.
• So it’s just not the EV, but hybrids can also play a role in combating air pollution, Gulati said.