India is on the brink of an electric mobility revolution, transforming how people move around in cities and towns. As the country shifts towards cleaner, greener transportation options, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a central part of this change. This revolution isn’t just about reducing pollution; it’s about creating a more sustainable future, lowering the dependency on fossil fuels, and boosting the economy with new technologies and industries. With government support, increasing awareness, and growing infrastructure, India is paving the way for electric vehicles to become a common sight on its roads, promising a cleaner and more efficient transportation system for everyone.
Tags: GS – 3, Economy- Indigenization of Technology– Industrial Policy – Environmental Pollution & Degradation
For Prelims: E-Mobility, Lithium, Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, Vehicle Scrappage Policy, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
For Mains: Challenges in sustainable Electric mobility in India, Solutions for successful E-mobility transition.
Context:
- India is currently witnessing a surge in interest surrounding electric vehicles (EVs), signalling a potential shift towards a cleaner transportation future.
- This transition promises significant environmental advantages by mitigating urban emissions.
What is E-Mobility?
- About:
- Electric mobility (e-mobility) refers to the use of electrical propulsion systems to power various types of vehicles, either partially or fully.
- This includes a range of transportation modes such as cars, buses, bicycles, and scooters. E-mobility encompasses two primary categories:
- Pure Electric: Vehicles powered entirely by electricity.
- Hybrid: Vehicles utilising both electric and conventional fuel sources.
- Characteristics of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Electric Vehicles (EVs) operate using electric motors powered by batteries. Key features include:
- Electric Motor: EVs are equipped with electric motors rather than Internal Combustion Engines (ICE).
- Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Since EVs run on electricity, they produce no exhaust emissions from a tailpipe, making them environmentally friendly.
- Component Absence: Unlike conventional vehicles, EVs do not have components such as fuel pumps, fuel lines, or fuel tanks.
- Contribution to SDG 7: EVs support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 by promoting access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.
- Renewable Energy Promotion: By reducing dependence on fossil fuels, EVs align with India’s ‘Panchamrit’ targets set at the COP26 climate summit.
- Current Status of E-Mobility in India:
- According to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the EV sector in India is currently underdeveloped, accounting for less than 1% of total vehicle sales. The existing scenario includes:
- Dominance of Conventional Vehicles: Indian roads are primarily occupied by traditional vehicles.
- Electric Vehicles Present: The current number includes approximately 0.4 million electric two-wheelers and a few thousand electric cars.
- Government Targets for EV Adoption:
- As per the NITI Aayog report, the Indian government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption by 2030:
- Buses: 40% adoption.
- Private Cars: 30% adoption.
- Commercial Vehicles: 70% adoption.
- Two-Wheelers: 80% adoption.
- As per the NITI Aayog report, the Indian government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption by 2030:
Importance of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Environmental Benefits:
- Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: EVs have the potential to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
- Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Unlike fossil fuel vehicles, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, helping reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other pollutants contributing to air pollution, smog, and global warming.
- Improved Public Health: By decreasing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), EVs contribute to cleaner air, which reduces the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Energy Diversity and Security:
- Reduced Dependence on Oil: EVs help diversify energy sources by lowering reliance on imported oil.
- Sustainable Energy Shift: As the electricity grid can be powered by renewable sources like solar and wind, EVs facilitate the transition to cleaner energy options.
- Technological Advancements and Job Creation:
- Innovation: The rise of EVs drives advancements in battery technology, electric drivetrains, and charging infrastructure.
- Broader Applications: Innovations benefit sectors beyond automotive, including energy storage and grid stability.
- Employment: The growth of EVs creates jobs in battery manufacturing, renewable energy, and charging infrastructure.
- Long-Term Cost Savings:
- Lower Operating Costs: Electricity is generally cheaper than gasoline or diesel, leading to reduced fuel costs.
- Maintenance Savings: With fewer moving parts, EVs require less maintenance and incur lower servicing and repair expenses over time.
- Decongesting Cities:
- Shared Mobility: Promotes vehicle sharing rather than individual ownership, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and parking needs.
- Compact Design: Smaller, lighter vehicles are better suited for urban environments, reducing congestion and emissions.
- Efficient Use: Innovative smart EVs designed for short trips can have smaller batteries, leading to quicker recharging and lower costs.
Challenges of E-Mobility in India:
- Limited Environmental Benefits:
- Dependence on Fossil Fuels: India’s reliance on fossil fuels for electricity diminishes the environmental gains of EVs. If the current energy mix persists, the reduction in carbon emissions from EVs may be minimal.
- Range Anxiety and Infrastructure Bottlenecks:
- Range Anxiety: Concerns about battery depletion during travel are a significant barrier to EV adoption.
- Charging Infrastructure: Despite a mandate for charging stations every 25 km on highways, India has only about 1,800 stations, concentrated in major cities. Charging times are longer than refuelling conventional vehicles, and setting up charging stations requires high investment.
- Electricity Grid Strain: Increased EV adoption could stress electricity grids during peak times.
- Higher Tyre Emissions:
- Increased Particulate Matter: Heavier EVs may cause more particulate matter emissions from tires, potentially offsetting some of the benefits of reduced tailpipe emissions.
- Battery Dependence and Supply Chain Issues:
- Import Reliance: India depends heavily on imported batteries, with 77% of imports from China. This dependency could lead to future price hikes and supply chain disruptions.
- Biofuel Development: Unlike Brazil, India’s biofuel sector has struggled due to feedstock shortages.
- Battery Disposal: A robust system for responsible battery disposal is lacking, posing potential environmental risks.
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM):
- Impact on Exports: The European Union’s CBAM could impact industries in developing countries, including India, that rely on exports to wealthier nations.
Government Initiatives to Promote EV Adoption:
- New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024:
- This policy outlines the latest framework to encourage electric vehicle adoption through incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory support.
- It aims to enhance the EV ecosystem by providing subsidies, easing regulations, and fostering innovation in the sector.
- Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme II:
- FAME II is an extension of the original FAME scheme, focusing on promoting electric mobility by offering subsidies on electric vehicles and supporting charging infrastructure.
- It aims to accelerate the adoption of EVs and stimulate domestic manufacturing.
- National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP):
- The NEMMP provides a comprehensive strategy for promoting electric mobility in India.
- It includes policy measures, financial incentives, and goals to increase the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce the dependency on fossil fuels.
- National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage:
- This mission aims to drive the development and adoption of transformative mobility solutions, including electric vehicles.
- It also focuses on advancing battery storage technology to support the growth of EVs and enhance energy security.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:
- The PLI scheme offers financial incentives to manufacturers for increasing production and investments in the EV and battery sectors.
- It is designed to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce import dependence.
- Go Electric Campaign:
- The Go Electric campaign promotes the adoption of electric vehicles by raising awareness, providing information on benefits, and encouraging consumers to switch from conventional to electric mobility.
- Global EV30@30 Campaign:
- India supports the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims to achieve at least 30% of new vehicle sales being electric by 2030.
- This international initiative aligns with India’s efforts to expand its electric vehicle market and contribute to global sustainability goals.
Ways to Boost E-Mobility in India:
- Boosting Renewable Energy:
- Transition to Renewables: Shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is essential to maximise the environmental benefits of EVs. Cleaner electricity for EV charging can be ensured through initiatives such as:
- National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to enhance hydrogen production from renewable sources.
- Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA): Supports the development of biofuels as an alternative energy source.
- PM-KUSUM Scheme: Focuses on solar energy generation to support rural electrification.
- Transition to Renewables: Shifting towards renewable energy sources like solar and wind power is essential to maximise the environmental benefits of EVs. Cleaner electricity for EV charging can be ensured through initiatives such as:
- Expanding Charging Infrastructure:
- Developing Charging Networks: Establishing a comprehensive network of charging stations, especially in highways and rural areas, is crucial to reduce range anxiety. Innovative solutions like battery swapping stations can decrease charging times, though they require:
- Standardisation of Battery Design: To ensure compatibility.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: For effective implementation.
- Developing Charging Networks: Establishing a comprehensive network of charging stations, especially in highways and rural areas, is crucial to reduce range anxiety. Innovative solutions like battery swapping stations can decrease charging times, though they require:
- Government Support:
- National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage: Addresses infrastructure challenges.
- Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Aims to support charging infrastructure development.
- Encouraging Domestic Battery Manufacturing:
- Investment in Domestic Production: Developing local battery manufacturing capabilities will help reduce import dependence, control costs, and create jobs. Key steps include:
- Government and Industry Collaboration: To build a robust domestic battery supply chain.
- FAME Scheme II: Supports domestic battery manufacturing as part of its broader goals.
- Investment in Domestic Production: Developing local battery manufacturing capabilities will help reduce import dependence, control costs, and create jobs. Key steps include:
- Addressing Battery Disposal Challenges:
- Implementing Disposal Systems: Establishing effective systems for used EV battery disposal is crucial for environmental sustainability. Actions include:
- Public Awareness: Educating consumers about responsible disposal practices.
- Investing in Recycling Facilities: To manage used batteries efficiently.
- Implementing Disposal Systems: Establishing effective systems for used EV battery disposal is crucial for environmental sustainability. Actions include:
- Government Initiatives:
- New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024: Addresses battery disposal and recycling.
- Vehicle Scrappage Policy: Includes provisions for managing end-of-life vehicles and their components.
Conclusion:
Building a successful e-mobility ecosystem in India requires a collaborative approach involving the government, industry, and stakeholders. The industry must invest in infrastructure, research, and innovation to create an efficient and sustainable e-mobility system, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 for access to affordable and clean energy.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Prelims
Q:1 In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of the Air Quality Index? (2016)
- Carbon dioxide
- Carbon monoxide
- Nitrogen dioxide
- Sulfur dioxide
- Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1, 2 and 3 only
- 2, 3 and 4 only
- 1, 4 and 5 only
- 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: B
Q:2 With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)
- The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.
- The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
- Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Ans: B
Mains
Q:1 How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (2019)
Source: TH
FAQs
Q: What is India’s electric mobility revolution?
- Answer: India’s electric mobility revolution refers to the rapid shift from traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs). This change aims to reduce pollution, lower fuel costs, and promote sustainable transportation across the country.
Q: Why is electric mobility important for India?
- Answer: Electric mobility is important for India because it helps reduce air pollution, decrease dependence on fossil fuels, and combat climate change. EVs also have lower running costs, which can save money for consumers in the long run.
Q: What types of vehicles are included in India’s electric mobility revolution?
- Answer: The electric mobility revolution in India includes a wide range of vehicles, such as electric cars, bikes, scooters, buses, and even trucks. These vehicles run on electricity, often stored in batteries, instead of conventional fuels like petrol or diesel.
Q: What challenges does India face in adopting electric mobility?
- Answer: Some challenges include the high upfront cost of EVs, limited charging infrastructure, and the need for better battery technology. Additionally, raising awareness and encouraging people to switch to EVs is crucial for the revolution to succeed.
Q: How is the Indian government supporting the electric mobility revolution?
- Answer: The Indian government is supporting the electric mobility revolution through incentives like subsidies for buying EVs, tax benefits, and initiatives to build more charging stations. Programs like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) are also aimed at boosting the adoption of electric vehicles across the country.
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