India’s thrust towards clean mobility partly stems from its overall environmental commitments under the Paris climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gases, transition quickly to clean energy, and contribute to the mitigation of the impacts of climate change. A substantial contribution to these goals is expected to come from the reduction of vehicular emissions through cleaner mobility solutions. Additionally, alternately fuelled mobility such as electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and biofuels presents economic and social benefits such as substantially lower fuel import costs. This has created an element of inevitability to the transition from conventional fossil fuel-based transportation to alternate fuels in India.
Maharashtra state aims to achieve net-zero at the earliest and recognises the importance of transition to clean transport to achieve this target. Over the last few years, the Government of Maharashtra has laid emphasis on the promotion of next generation industrial segments in the state to support this transition. In 2021, the Government launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy and has also committed to promote other segments of clean mobility such as biofuels and hydrogen fuel cells. As a prominent automotive manufacturing destination in the country as well as a significant consumer cluster, these commitments are positioning Maharashtra as a leading destination in alternate fuels in India.
The Pune Alternate Fuel Conclave (AFC), an initiative of the Government of Maharashtra, is being organised by Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), in association with Maratha Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) from 2nd to 5th April 2022, in Pune.
The objectives of the Conclave include:
Pune AFC 2022 will be conducted over 4 days—2nd April, Saturday, to 5th April, Tuesday—in three parts:
Pune AFC 2022 will host India’s largest vehicle exhibition exclusively focused on alternate fuel technologies, conducted across the four days of the Conclave. Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, cars, goods vehicles, and buses from leading manufacturers like Tata Motors, Piaggio, Skoda, Volkswagen, KPIT, etc. powered by electricity, hydrogen fuel, and biofuels will be on display. Companies are also expected to launch new products on the auspicious occasion of Gudi Padwa.
The exhibition will be free for anyone to attend. Pune’s Regional Transport Office (RTO) will also be present at the Exhibition to facilitate purchase and easy registration of new vehicles by the citizens. Pune EV Cell will also be present at the Exhibition to act as a knowledge hub for the citizens and to spread awareness about electric vehicles and various government policies. Banks booths will be available to facilitate financing options to support the vehicle consumers at the venue. There are no charges for visiting the exhibition.
Date : 2nd to 5th April, 2022
Time : 11 AM to 6 PM
Venue : Sinchan Nagar Ground, Agriculture College, Pune
The conclave will also see India’s largest EV rally, covering several iconic locations in Pune. Commencing at 8 AM on 3rd April 2022, the vehicles in the rally will cover a distance of 30 kms and feature EV enthusiasts and owners showcasing their vehicles. The EV charging infrastructure players will be setting up charging stations at several locations on the track to provide a demo for the vehicle charging during the rally. There shall be a provision for citizens to be able to follow the rally using a map published in advance of the event. There are no charges for participating in the rally, however prior registration is required.
Date : 3rd April, 2022
Time : 8 AM
Start and End Point : Sinchan Nagar Ground, Agriculture College, Pune
The Alternate Fuel Conference will be organised on 4th and 5th April as the thought leadership segment of the AFC. In addition to an introductory and valedictory session, the Conference will feature panel discussions and fireside chats on key new-mobility topics. Speakers for the event will include Cabinet Ministers, Senior Government officials, Investors, Bankers, Industry Leaders, Start-ups and Civil Society. Over 15 Municipal Commissioners and Consul Generals from more than 10 countries would also be participating in the conference.
Outline for the conference –
The topics for the panel discussions and fire-side chats are as follows –
Date : 4th and 5th April, 2022
Time : 10 AM to 5 PM
Venue : JW Marriott Hotel, Pune
Mr Sudhanwa Kopardekar
sudhanwak@mcciapune.com
+91 9960822251
Ms Geeta Hosmane
geetah@mcciapune.com
+91 9881098445
Mr Prashant Joglekar
prashantj@mcciapune.com
+91 9822425268
