General Motors India is looking at upgrading its cars?both hatchbacks and sedans?to the electric platform in the future on the lines of the yet-to-be launched e-Spark.
GM India president & managing director Karl Slym told FE that the company would take stock of e-Spark?s response in the country, and subsequently explore the viability of an electronic platform for its other models as well. This would make GM the first Indian car company to offer its models on the electronic platform as well.
?I am sure other models would end up having alternative proportions eventually whether it?s the Beat or Chevrolet Volt. It?s (e-Spark) not just a test exercise. I can assure there will more and more electric vehicles on the road eventually and we (GM) will have to be amongst that,” he said.
Slym said the success of electric cars both in India and globally would depend on its affordability and its eventual utility for the end consumer. ?Our aim is to bring something that would break the mould which is as affordable as possible and has a utility value as well,? Slym said.
He added that the idea behind e-Spark was to see the viability of replicating the same model on its other cars as well. ?The aim of this (launch of e-Spark) is to see whether it is acceptable in the market. The technology that we put is agnostic?let?s break the ice with e-Spark first,? Slym said.
In a bid to promote electric cars the Delhi government has given subsidy of 15% on the price of the vehicle, VAT exemption of 12.5% and exemption of road tax and registration expenses. The Chandigarh government too has given a subsidy of 15% on the cost of the vehicle to all its users.
Last year, GM India signed an agreement with Bangalore-based electric carmaker Reva Electric Car Company (RECC) to jointly develop and produce electric cars for the Indian roads. The aim of the two companies is to make India the hub for environment-friendly cars in the world.
