British International Investment (BII), the UK's development finance institution, is intensifying its focus on India's electric vehicle (EV) sector, with plans to invest an additional $300 million over the next three years. Abhinav Sinha, the Managing Director and Head of Technology & Telecoms at BII, highlighted the firm's commitment, having already allocated $300 million in support of various initiatives including the EV arms of the Mahindra group, Euler Motors, Turno, and Battery Smart. Sinha emphasized the potential for significant growth in India's EV market, noting the current penetration rate of approximately 6%. He expressed optimism for rapid expansion, foreseeing India surpassing many other nations in EV adoption, driven by governmental initiatives and the appealing total cost of ownership.
Sinha provided insights into BII's strategic investments in India, detailing the institution's substantial backing of Mahindra's EV platform with nearly $250 million. Additional investments include stakes in Euler Motors, Turno, and Battery Smart, which cater to different niches within the EV ecosystem, from manufacturing to distribution and battery swapping. Sinha expressed a balanced perspective on future investments, anticipating a continuation of the current pace with a focus on early-stage ventures, typically involving $5 to $10 million each. He foresees further support as these companies grow, underscoring BII's strategy to foster the entire EV value chain from manufacturing to components and financing. Sinha affirmed that the climate sector, particularly EVs, will remain a priority for BII in India, reflecting the institution's commitment to fostering sustainable growth within the region.
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