EVs alone won't solve emissions crisis, says TVS Motor chairman

Electric vehicles should not be positioned as the sole answer to India's emissions challenges, with the automotive sector instead maintaining flexibility across multiple technologies to achieve environmental goals, Venu Srinivasan said on Monday.

"We have to be agnostic in technology and look at the net effect on the country in terms of pollution, quality and environment. EV is not the only solution," Srinivasan told delegates at the IFQM Symposium 2026.

The TVS Motor executive advocated for organic growth in EV adoption driven by consumer preferences rather than forced adoption. India has witnessed accelerating EV uptake in the three-wheeler and two-wheeler segments, though broader vehicle electrification remains selective.

Srinivasan also highlighted ethanol blending in petrol as a complementary strategy. The fuel additive policy could meaningfully reduce India's reliance on petroleum imports while delivering minimal performance impacts on vehicles. "The degradation in performance is very marginal and should not deter us," he said, pointing to the broader national benefits of reduced fuel import dependency.

The comments reflect growing consensus within India's automotive sector that meeting decarbonization targets will require a diversified approach encompassing multiple propulsion technologies and fuel alternatives adapted to local conditions and consumer needs.