Page 41 from: Recycling International Jan/Feb 2025

MESSAGE FROM MUMBAI
41recyclinginternational.com | January/February | 2024
As I write this article, Bharat Mobility Global Expo is
underway in Delhi. It is India’s biggest automotive
show and there are about 1 500 exhibitors, including
the likes of BMW, Mercedes and BYD, all showcasing
best products and technologies.
Being part of the metal recycling industry for nearly
three decades, I was overwhelmed with emotions as a
video from the Material Recycling Association of India
(MRAI – www.mrai.org.in) played out shortly before
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the
opening session of this mammoth show. The video
highlighted the contribution of the recycling industry
in India’s socio-economic transformation and how it is
front running India’s campaign in circularity, sustain-
ability and empowerment.
MOMENT OF PRIDE
MRAI was a partner in India’s vehicle scrappage poli-
cy, implemented in 2022, which aims to scrap end-of-
life vehicles and replace them with modern vehicles.
Since then, three big auto companies have installed
shredders, opening a new chapter in circularity in the
automotive sector. It is truly a moment of pride and
recognition for the entire recycling industry.
One word describes the show itself: ‘electric’. The
theme of going green was central to every display
and that tells you everything of the future of Indian
mobility. Of the 4.3 million passenger vehicles sold in
2024, the penetration of EV cars was 2.4%. The figure
is 6% for the nation’s new two-wheelers is 18 million.
But what is really charging the auto makers is an
expected 35% CAGR acceleration until 2032.
BATTERY TECH RENAISSANCE
Realising the need for an efficient ecosystem, the gov-
ernment is actively supporting the domestic manufac-
turing of EV components through its Production
Linked Incentives scheme, which aims to foster a cir-
cular economy for battery recycling. This should pro-
vide a stable supply of essential raw materials and tax
benefits to enhance the profitability of lithium-ion bat-
teries, the most expensive component of EVs. Battery
technology is experiencing a renaissance. Innovations
like solid-state batteries promise to extend the range
and safety of EVs, while significantly reducing charg-
ing times.
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
Electric mobility is more than just a shift in transporta-
tion choice by Indians. It represents a transformative
change in how we are thinking about mobility and
therefore sustainability. Whilst the transition to EVs is
an environmental imperative, it is also a golden eco-
nomic opportunity. But there are still gaps in the
charging infrastructure and the source of electricity
required. However, auto companies and the govern-
ment are working overtime to bridge these as quickly
as possible.
At this point, I would like you to consider two smart
new EV models from Mahindra & Mahindra, a leading
domestic vehicle manufacturer. The Mahindra BE 6e
and XEV 9e models are now in commercial production
and the first deliveries are imminent. The young, rest-
less and aspirational India is dying to lay its hands on
such cars.
To sum up, the road ahead in India is truly electric and
it’s time to accelerate our journey toward a cleaner,
greener tomorrow. So let’s zip… zap… vrooooom!
Dhawal Shah
From his home and work base in Mumbai, non-ferrous scrap
trader Dhawal Shah of Metco Ventures shares his thoughts on
how India is becoming the world’s new recycling frontier.
An
electrifying
future
41_columnshah.indd 41 29-01-2025 11:28