New Delhi witnessed a landmark event in the automobile industry as Times Network Digital hosted the HPCL Presents Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025, bringing together industry veterans, policymakers, and innovators to discuss the evolving landscape of mobility.

The highlight of the summit was the special address by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, who made a bold prediction—India will emerge as the world’s No. 1 electric vehicle (EV) market within the next five years.

Gadkari’s optimism was backed by compelling data, as he highlighted that EV sales in India are growing at an impressive 15.4 percent, far surpassing the growth rate of petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. He attributed this shift to government incentives, technological advancements, and growing consumer trust in EV reliability.

Additionally, he pointed out that India’s newly discovered 6-million-ton lithium reserve in Jammu and Kashmir will be instrumental in reducing the country’s reliance on imported battery materials and accelerating the growth of domestic EV battery manufacturing.

The minister also underscored India’s strides in infrastructure, revealing that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is developing 670 roadside amenities equipped with EV charging stations. Acknowledging the fragmentation in the EV charging network, he assured that a standardized charging infrastructure is in the works to ensure seamless access to power for EV users. Electric four-wheelers with a range of 400 km and scooters with a range of 120 km will soon become the norm, while flash charging systems for electric buses are expected to revolutionize public transport.

Gadkari also emphasized that India’s automotive sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, shifting from a cost-centric to a quality-driven manufacturing approach. One of the key milestones in this journey is Indian Oil’s ethanol production project in Panipat, which is set to generate 1 lakh liters of ethanol per day and 88,000 tonnes per year from Parali (crop residue).

Discussing infrastructure advancements, he revealed that India will soon offer a direct road route to Mansarovar via Pithoragarh, eliminating the need for pilgrims to take the longer Sikkim route. Once completed, the Ministry of External Affairs will engage with China to operationalize this route.

In a bid to enhance road safety, Gadkari announced stricter automobile safety regulations, including the mandatory sale of two-wheelers with two helmets. Additionally, the introduction of the Bharat New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) is expected to push automakers towards higher safety standards and reduced road fatalities.

The Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025 celebrated excellence in the automotive industry, recognizing innovations, brands, and individuals driving change. The event featured keynotes and panel discussions with top industry leaders, including C.S. Vigneshwar (FADA), Prashant Banerjee (SIAM), Hardeep S. Brar (Kia India), Jyoti Malhotra (Volvo Auto India), Savi Soin (Qualcomm India), Ravi Bhatia (Jato Dynamics), and Amit Lakhotia (Park Plus), among others.
Among the standout winners were:
Motorcycle of the Year: Aprilia RS 457

Scooter of the Year: TVS Jupiter 110

Performance Bike of the Year: Suzuki GSX 8R

Car of the Year: Maruti Suzuki Dzire

Luxury EV of the Year: BYD Seal

Coupe SUV of the Year: Tata Curvv

EV of the Year: MG Windsor EV

Best Digital Campaign (Auto Sector): MG Windsor

Sustainability Champion of the Year: BMW i5 M60

Green Mobility Leader: Tata Motors

The event also paid tribute to industry stalwarts and changemakers. Partho Banerjee (Maruti Suzuki India) was named Automotive Personality of the Year, while Puneet Anand (Hyundai Motor India Limited) was recognized as Social Changemaker of the Year. The Times Drive Hall of Fame honored Late Shri Ratan Tata and Late Shri Osamu Suzuki for their contributions to the global automobile industry.

With India’s auto industry on the brink of an electric revolution, the Times Drive Auto Summit & Awards 2025 provided a critical platform to discuss policy advancements, sustainability goals, and cutting-edge innovations. As Nitin Gadkari envisions India leading the global EV market, the country’s focus on green mobility, infrastructure upgrades, and high-quality manufacturing will be key to making this vision a reality.

With the continued push for EV adoption, standardized charging infrastructure, and sustainable manufacturing, India is set to cement its position as a global leader in electric mobility.