Gujarat Set to Become India's EV Production Powerhouse: CM Patel

Gujarat is increasingly becoming a major player in electric mobility, with a strong emphasis on becoming an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing hub and components, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated on Saturday. Delivering the inaugural address at the launch of Matter Energy's new EV manufacturing facility in Changodar, near Ahmedabad, Patel pointed out the state's increasing EV uptake and infrastructure development.

“Green growth and electric vehicles are the way forward to reduce our carbon footprint and tackle climate change,” he said, emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting e-mobility. “To create a green growth environment, the government has encouraged e-mobility and made 800 e-buses operational in Gujarat. Due to the encouragement given to EVs, their use has increased in the state. Gujarat has seen registration of 2.64 lakh electric vehicles, and we are also increasing EV charging infrastructure,” he added.

Patel also addressed the Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy-2021 and the Atmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme, reaffirming the vision of the state in creating a "Green, Clean, Eco-Friendly Gujarat." The 2021 policy envisions shifting the transportation sector towards electric mobility while making Gujarat an EV and ancillary manufacturing hub.

Highlighting India's broader strides in green technology, Patel said, “India's automotive industry is preparing itself to compete with the world. For the country's youths to strengthen the EV sector by using technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Innovate in India programme.”

He added that EV sales have surged significantly, with the country witnessing a 640-fold growth in the last decade and 70 lakh EVs sold in the past year alone. “Modi has promoted the electric vehicle manufacturing sector by driving green growth in the country with the mantra of 'Innovate in India.'”

Patel also pointed to India’s achievements in renewable energy. “From 2.8 GW a decade ago, India's solar energy capacity has now grown to 102.5 GW. Along with solar energy, wind energy has also grown significantly,” he said. He noted that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched to encourage solar energy adoption, has benefited over 11 lakh families.

As of January 2025, India’s total non-fossil fuel energy capacity stands at 217.62 GW. “Under Modi's leadership, India is progressing towards becoming the world's third-largest renewable energy producing nation,” Patel said.

Mohan Lalbhai, Founder and Group CEO of Matter, shared the company’s vision for the new manufacturing facility. “This hub at Changodar embodies our commitment to redefining India’s mobility landscape through technology and innovation,” he said.

The plant currently manufactures 25 vehicles a day in a single shift and will step up to an annual capacity of 1.2 lakh units to cater to expanding demand. Lalbhai also launched the Matter Aera, the company's flagship offering, which he described as the world's first geared electric motorbike to be produced.