TIRUPATI: Pepper Motion, a German-based electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing to lay the groundwork for the world's largest electric bus and truck production operation in Punganur's Chittoor area.

The ambitious project, which is expected to cost Rs 4,640 crore, will cover an area of 800 acres.

On Friday, Chittoor collector Shanmohan traveled to Punganur with a delegation from the Pepper Motion led by CEO Andreas Hager. During a press conference, the collector stated that this unit had the potential to create 8,100 local employment, providing a considerable boost to the region's economy.

The collector thanked key stakeholders, including chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, energy minister Peddireddy Ramachandra Reddy, and Rajampet MP Mithun Reddy, for their efforts in Punganur.

"With this electric vehicle manufacturing industry, educated unemployed local youths will have access to 8,100 job opportunities, eliminating the need for their migration for jobs to cities like Bengaluru and Chennai," he said.

He promised to keep pollutants under control. The construction-erection work would begin in February 2024.

Andreas Hager, CEO of Pepper Motion, stated his interest for constructing an electric vehicle manufacturing unit in India, emphasizing the importance of these vehicles in decreasing carbon emissions. "Due to India's large population, buses and trucks contribute significantly to carbon dioxide emissions." "Pepper Motion is manufacturing electric vehicles with its own cutting-edge technology as a step towards pollution prevention," he said.

Hager presented the project's schedule, saying that building would begin in March 2024. The proposal calls for the production of 1,000 electric buses and trucks in stages by 2027, with a focus on providing local job opportunities for educated youth.

He emphasised the completely integrated strategy, noting that all spare parts needed to manufacture eco-friendly electric buses and trucks will be manufactured locally and supplied to other nations.