E-vehicles pose threat to forging industry, says AIFI

E-vehicles pose threat to forging industry, says AIFI

News:

1. The Centre’s focus on electric vehicles (EVs) likely to impact the future of Indian forging industry.

Important facts:

2. EVs were going to be the biggest threat to the industry because:

• Around 60% of forging units are involved in the manufacture of auto components and majority are engaged in application related to engine transmission.
• As a result, 40-50% of demand for forged auto components would decline, resulting in job losses and a shutting down of units.

3. Suggestions:

• The President, Association of Indian Forging Industry (AIFI), said the industry needs “a clear road map to provide a level playing field”.
• Industry should have basic infrastructure such as charging stations and availability of lithum batteries as well as guidelines for disposal of batteries.

4. India is the third largest manufacturer of forging globally, after China and EU.

5. Presently, India is facing challenges arising out of rising steel and oil prices, a demand- supply gap and technology upgradation.

6. Electric vehicles:

• All electric vehicles run on electricity only. An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion.
• An electric vehicles may be powered through a collector system by electricity from off-vehicle sources, or may be self-contained with a battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity.
• EVs include road and rail vehicles, surface and underwater vessels, and electric spacecraft.