As part of this programme, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing research and development projects on development of advanced batteries, super capacitors and components of electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are environmentally benign and reduce the consumption of oil. The Ministry is supporting projects at different institutions and industries for the development of EVs and related aspects including improvement of operations range performance and durability. R&D and demonstration activities aimed at developing technologies for Battery Operated Vehicles (BOVs) are proposed to be supported during 2008-2009. The objectives of the programme are to promote BOVs which are nonpolluting and quiet in operation, conserve petroleum products, curb environmental pollution, to get feedback on the performance of BOVs in actual operating for continuous
improvement of the BOVs, and also for awareness promotion for the eco-friendly vehicles among the people.