Everyone today is talking about the urgency for decreasing air pollutants, the majority of which in urban cities are contributed by passenger and commercial vehicles. A ride in an EV is a most pleasant experience – jerk free, smooth and refreshing. We see almost all formats of transport being converted now to electric and plying the roads. Besides cars, there are 3-wheelers, E- rickshaws and E-cycles. The latter two have issues of stability and are potential safety hazards on the roads because of unskilled manoeuvring by the drivers.
From the perspective of World Intellectual Foundation, we strongly believe that the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for reducing air pollutants in urban cities. However, it is essential to address the fundamental problems associated with EVs and develop a comprehensive policy that takes into account the concerns of all stakeholders.
Challenges associated with EVs –
- Limited mileage: EVs are not viable for long drives due to
limited mileage per charge. - Insufficient charging stations: The lack of charging stations
across cities hinders the widespread adoption of EVs. - Higher cost: EVs are more expensive than petrol, diesel, or
CNG versions, making them inaccessible to the middle-income
category and those who make a living from driving. - Skilled manpower: In case of breakdowns or repairs, skilled
manpower is not readily available, unlike for other vehicles. - Myth of reduced air pollution: A study shows that 46% of
carbon emissions come from the EV production process, while
for Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, they only
account for 26%.
Incentivize EV adoption: Offer subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of EVs, particularly for passenger vehicles.
Support for affected stakeholders: Provide financial support and training to cab drivers, CNG kit manufacturers, and service engineers who will be affected by the transition to EVs.
Long-term plan: Develop a comprehensive long-term plan that takes into account the current challenges and ensures a smooth transition to EVs. As a think-tank WIF, we believe that our organisation can play a crucial role in sha.ping the EV policy by:
Conducting research: Conducting studies to identify the challenges and opportunities associated with EVs and providing data-driven insights to policymakers. Facilitating stakeholder engagement: Bringing together stakeholders, including cab drivers, manufacturers, and policymakers, to discuss concerns and develop solutions. Developing policy frameworks:
Developing comprehensive policy frameworks that take into account the concerns of all stakeholders and ensure a smooth transition to EVs.
Conclusion: Employing Smooth Adoption of Electric Vehicles at National Level
As we move towards a sustainable future, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for reducing air pollutants and mitigating climate change. However, the transition to EVs requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders. Based on the analysis of the Delhi Government’s EV2.0 policy and the challenges associated with EVs, we recommend a national-level strategy for smooth adoption of EVs.
Authors
Basant P Gupta
Director, WIF