Global AI Conclave: Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy to create ecosystem for companies like Tesla

Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner, Karnataka's Department of Industries and Commerce was speaking at the CNBC-TV18 and Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave in Bengaluru on November 22

After pioneering the country’s first EV policy, Karnataka is poised to become the first state to introduce a Clean Mobility Policy, said Gunjan Krishna, commissioner at the Department of Industries and Commerce.

“Karnataka has been a pioneer in this area. In fact, we were the first to roll out an EV policy, and now we will be the first to launch a Clean Mobility Policy, which is agnostic to the technology — be it electric, hydrogen, or blended fuels. We are focused on creating an ecosystem that supports all these technologies,” Krishna told the CNBC-TV18 - Moneycontrol Global AI Conclave in Bengaluru on November 22.

Also, read: Karnataka’s Clean Mobility Policy to attract Rs 50,000 cr investment, generate 1 lakh new Jobs: Siddaramaiah

"The Clean Mobility Policy will address the entire supply chain, including batteries and even strong hybrids, ensuring a comprehensive approach to clean mobility," Karnataka Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure MB Patil said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced during his Independence Day speech that the state’s Clean Mobility Policy aims to attract Rs 50,000 crore in investments and create one lakh jobs. “The draft Karnataka Clean Mobility Policy 2024-29 targets significant investments in the clean mobility vehicle sector and is currently in the final stage of approval,” he said.

The announcement is crucial as Karnataka has recently lost manufacturing plants of Bengaluru-based EV firms like Ola and Ather to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Also read: Union govt should not dictate to semiconductor companies on where to invest: Karnataka minister MB Patil

‘Tesla will come at its own time’

Tesla’s India arm, registered in Bengaluru in early 2021, has made slow progress in setting up operations in the country. “Tesla will come at its own time. The EV ecosystem in India is thriving, with companies like Mahindra and Tata Motors doing well. The two-wheeler space also has several successful players. As the market grows, I’m confident Tesla will eventually see the potential and come in,” Krishna said. “Elon Musk was supposed to visit India, but that trip was called off, and he went to China instead. Let’s hope he visits India next time.”

Also read: Global AI Conclave: 80% agreements signed during investors meet will materialise, says MB Patil