India, April 30 -- Ather Energy cofounder and CEO Tarun Mehta has criticised the government's stance on excluding startups from the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for automobiles and auto components, arguing that the current framework risks undermining India's EV ambitions.

His remarks came after a senior government official told ET Auto that PLI schemes are "not meant for startups but for global champions", effectively ruling out the inclusion of electric-first OEMs.

Notably, the existing auto PLI scheme, overseen by the Ministry of Heavy Industries, mandates steep eligibility thresholds, including Rs.10,000 Cr in global automotive revenue and Rs.3,000 Cr in fixed assets, criteria for auto OEMs, which most EV startups fail to...