4th Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Conference (EFV) confirms India’s plans to be at the heart of green vehicle production in coming years.

At a packed and busy meeting in New Delhi (November 23rd/24th), over 300 delegates from around the world gathered to discuss next steps in the race for greener transport, and in particular greener cars.

The event – which was sponsored by FIA Foundation, and in whose exhibition the Global Fuel Economy Initiative took part – was addressed by, amongst others, the Indian Minister for the Environment, Mr Jairam Ramesh, who took the opportunity to reiterate India’s commitment to mandatory fuel economy standards to be in place by 2012.

Other speakers also confirmed India’s determination to capitalise on the opportunities which the growing demand for greener transport technologies presents, including Mr Dash, Secretary of State, Heavy Industry Ministry, who noted that India will be a global hub for compact environmentally and consumer friendly vehicles.

Lew Fulton of IEA, one of GFEI’s partners, presented work he has recently completed charting the likely path of electric vehicles across the globe. He made the point that whilst their use and accessibility will undoubtedly grow in coming years, the need for greater fuel efficiency will continue as the traditional  internal combustion engine retains a role even as far out as 2050.

US EPA will host the next conference in 2011.

Download Lew Fulton's presentation >