Investments driven by the automobile production linked incentive scheme have crossed Rs 45,000 crore, Union Heavy Industries Minister H D Kumaraswamy said Thursday.

Speaking during an interaction with beneficiaries and distributors of electric vehicles, the minister noted the centre’s policy support extends beyond demand creation and charging infrastructure to domestic manufacturing.

The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Automobiles is aimed at incentivising the manufacture of Advanced Automotive Technologies with an outlay of Rs 25,938 crore. “Investments under the scheme have now exceeded Rs 45,000 crore, with several original equipment manufacturers manufacturing electric vehicles under the programme,” Kumaraswamy said.

Looking ahead, he said India has an opportunity to develop solutions that can find markets beyond the country as well. “If we can develop cost-effective and scalable solutions here, we can take them to other emerging markets across the world,” Kumaraswamy said, adding that the government would continue to provide policy support, enable innovation and strengthen manufacturing ecosystems.

He said benefits are also being seen in the commercial transport sector, pointing out that “even e-buses and e-trucks are proving to be cheaper to run by operators.” He added that electric buses and trucks can contribute to cleaner transportation while reducing dependence on imported crude oil.