On the occasion of Earth Day, TERI, ITDP and RMI shared their views on the crucial role of Electric Vehicles in enabling a better future for the planet. Here is what they said:-
Sharif Qamar, Fellow and Area Convenor, Transport and Urban Governance Division, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), on how EVs will bring about a sustainable future.
“The central and state governments have provided an important policy, regulatory and innovation platforms for a healthy EV ecosystem. It is now time to focus on cities and empower them to be EV-Ready. It is important that the capacity needs of cities are identified and addressed. These would include aspects such as multi-stakeholder partnerships, fiscal incentives, interdepartmental coordination, local-level innovations, technological up-gradation, building trust through EV awareness campaigns, and learning from international best practices.”
Sivasubramaniam Jayaraman, National Lead for Transport System and Electric Vehicles, The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) said “We are in a new phase of mobility right now where we have an opportunity to undo the mistakes, we did with transport planning in the past. EV Transition needs to be paved with a vision to create a sustainable road map for the future. The transport sector is the fourth largest contributor to GHG emissions in India. Electrification of the transport sector is the key to achieving India’s COP26 commitment to cut its emissions to net zero by 2070.Vehicle electrification can cut vehicle energy use and CO2 emissions. However, for electrification to have maximum benefits, power generation must be strongly shifted away from fossil fuels and deeply decarbonized. The uptake of electric vehicles has been inhibited by several factors, including limited driving range, higher vehicle purchase cost, greater time to charge an electric battery, and a lack of public charging stations.
When it comes to electrifying public transport state-owned bus corporations are taking baby steps to expand their fleets of electric buses and with the right government, interventions can help to quickly decarbonize public transport. Overall, the technology and market outlook for EVs appears promising in India and has a huge potential.”
Akshima Ghate, MD, RMI India said “India is projected to be the third-largest car market by 2030. Relative to equivalent ICE vehicles, an electric vehicle (EV) emits zero particulate matter (PM) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) pollution, and nearly 25% less Carbon Dioxide (CO2). Adopting EVs, which have zero tailpipe emissions, can significantly improve air quality, as well as help us reach net zero by 2070 as promised by PM Modi at COP26.
The government, both at the state and central levels has been proactively involved in the transition towards e-mobility. Platforms and campaigns like Shoonya and Switch Delhi—of which RMI India is a partner—have not only enhanced stakeholder participation in the process of electrification of transport but have also increased public awareness of the pivotal role that EVs will play in India’s path towards a clean energy future.”