India's projected transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is likely to pose different kinds of challenges and opportunities for automotive manufacturers of different sizes, especially micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). A well-planned transition can ensure that these enterprises are not left behind, thus leading towards a just, inclusive, and equitable transition.

This paper assesses the EV transition perceptions and response strategies among Indian automotive manufacturing enterprises via 58 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Automotive Component Manufacturers (ACMs) of different sizes, from the major automotive clusters in India. Based on this assessment, we map the evolving manufacturing processes and related changes in skillset demands and provide concrete policy recommendations to enable a seamless EV transition for ACMs, especially MSMEs.