Kochi: The Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held on March 12–13, 2025 in Kochi, Kerala, featured a panel discussion on “Clean Energy Transition | EVs and Energy Storage”, where policymakers, mobility experts, automotive leaders, and energy specialists explored the future of electric mobility and energy storage in supporting India’s low-carbon economy.
The session was moderated by Aishwarya Raman, Executive Director, OMI Foundation. The panel included S. Krishnan, Senior Vice President – Product, Ashok Leyland; Gopalakrishnan, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Vyttila Mobility Hub; Dr. Reji Mathai, Director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI); Bose Sumantraa, Regional Lead – India, International Hydropower Association; and Mohammad Saif, Partner, EY.
The discussion focused on strengthening India’s electric vehicle ecosystem, scaling energy storage technologies, and creating the policy and infrastructure needed to support the country’s clean energy ambitions.
Electric Mobility Gaining Momentum
Panelists noted that India’s electric mobility sector has witnessed significant progress in recent years, supported by favourable government policies, expanding charging infrastructure, and growing investments from the automotive industry.
Kerala, in particular, was recognised for its efforts to promote electric mobility through dedicated EV policies, public charging infrastructure, electric buses, and integrated urban transport initiatives. These measures are helping accelerate the state’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
Energy Storage Critical for Clean Energy Integration
A major focus of the discussion was the growing importance of energy storage in supporting both electric mobility and renewable energy expansion.
Dr. Reji Mathai highlighted that reliable battery technologies and advanced energy storage systems will be essential for improving EV performance, increasing consumer confidence, and enabling wider adoption across different vehicle segments.
The panel agreed that as renewable energy generation increases, large-scale storage solutions will become critical for maintaining grid stability, balancing electricity demand, and ensuring uninterrupted clean power supply.
Building a Robust EV Ecosystem
Representing the automotive industry, S. Krishnan discussed some of the practical challenges facing electric vehicle manufacturers, including high battery costs, charging infrastructure gaps, vehicle affordability, and evolving technology standards.
He emphasised the importance of standardised charging systems, faster charging technologies, and long-term policy stability to encourage greater investment and accelerate mass adoption of electric vehicles.
Panelists also highlighted the need for continued government support through incentives and industry-friendly regulations during the transition period.
Renewable Energy and Storage Must Grow Together
The discussion underlined that electric mobility cannot be viewed independently from renewable energy development.
Experts pointed out that integrating solar, wind, hydropower, and advanced energy storage systems will be essential for building a resilient and sustainable electricity network capable of supporting millions of electric vehicles.
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Bose Sumantraa shared international examples where hydropower and pumped storage have played a key role in balancing renewable energy and supporting high levels of EV adoption, suggesting similar opportunities for India.
Emerging Technologies Shaping the Future
The panel also explored emerging concepts such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which would enable electric vehicles to function as distributed energy storage assets capable of supplying electricity back to the grid during peak demand.
While the technology holds considerable promise, experts noted that widespread implementation will require robust communication standards, grid modernisation, and supportive regulatory frameworks.
Participants also highlighted ongoing advancements in battery technologies, software-defined vehicles, and digital mobility solutions that are expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs over the coming years.
Collaboration Key to Accelerating the Transition
Concluding the discussion, the panel emphasised that India’s clean mobility transition will require close collaboration between government agencies, automobile manufacturers, power utilities, technology companies, research institutions, and financial stakeholders.
A coordinated approach to policy development, infrastructure investment, renewable energy integration, and technological innovation will be essential to build a future-ready mobility ecosystem while supporting India’s broader decarbonisation and energy security goals.
The experts agreed that with sustained collaboration and continued investment, electric mobility and energy storage can become two of the strongest pillars of India’s clean energy transition.
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