While India is moving aggressively toward electric vehicles (EVs), the government should also support hybrid technology, Harshbeena Zaveri, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of NRB Bearings told Autocar Professional. She added that hybrid vehicles can play a crucial role in the country's shift to cleaner mobility.
"The government should support hybrid technology," she said, pointing to the significant growth opportunities in both hybrid and electric vehicle markets.
"Everyone is looking to India when it comes to manufacturing," she said, adding that the country is poised for an "exponential leap" globally. For NRB Bearings, this moment represents a strategic opportunity to capitalize on the global shift toward cleaner and smarter mobility. Talking of her company's research and development, she said, "Our differentiator is doing our own R&D," she noted, highlighting this in-house capability allows the company to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. The result? "All major EVs and hybrids have some component from NRB."
As the push for electrification grows, NRB Bearings has been actively designing innovative components for electric vehicles. "We are doing innovative design engineering for EV makers," Zaveri shared, positioning the company as a critical player in the EV market. However, she stressed that hybrid vehicles should not be sidelined. "Whether it's hybrids or EVs, there is more than enough opportunity," she said.
Despite challenges like global supply chain disruptions, Zaveri remains optimistic about India's potential. "In the middle of difficulty in the world lies opportunity for India," she said.
She added that India’s future in the global automotive industry will be built on a foundation of technology, talent development, and a balanced approach to cleaner mobility.