Amid fire incidents, take advance action to recall defective EVs: Gadkari

Union Minister says high seasonal temperature a problem for batteries

Amid incidents of electric two-wheelers catching fire, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday urged companies to take advance action to recall all defective vehicles, even as he said there is some problem with EV batteries when the temperature rises in the months of March, April and May.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister also acknowledged that the country's electric vehicle (EV) industry has "just started" and emphasised that the government does not want to put up a hurdle.

"But safety is the highest priority for the government and there can be no compromise with human lives," Mr. Gadkari said at the Raisina Dialogue here.

His comments assume significance against the backdrop of multiple incidents of EVs catching fire and resulting in deaths and severe injuries to people.

During an interactive session, Mr. Gadkari reiterated that companies may take advance action to recall all defective batches of vehicles immediately.

"In March-April-May, the temperature rises, then there is some problem with the battery [of EVs]. I feel that it [electric two-wheelers catching fire] is a problem of [high] temperature," he said.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister noted that the government wants to make EVs popular.