As India races toward a sustainable mobility future, electric vehicles have emerged as key drivers in reducing emissions and lowering fossil fuel dependence
Sustainable mobility is the future of transportation, focusing on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and minimising harmful emissions. In this context, Electric Vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a game-changer, offering lower emissions and a reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional gasoline vehicles. Governments worldwide are encouraging the adoption of EVs to address climate change, and India is no exception.
India’s Push for Electric Mobility:
The Indian government has laid out ambitious targets to boost the adoption of EVs, with policies and incentives underlining its commitment. In July 2023, NITI Aayog set a clear roadmap, aligning with the national goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The targets are impressive: 30 per cent EV penetration in private cars; 70 per cent in commercial vehicles; ; 40 per cent in buses 80 per cent for both two- and three-wheelers. India’s EV market has seen tremendous growth, with EV registrations increasing eleven-fold, from 1.3 million in 2018 to over 15 million in 2023. This momentum is further fueled by the Government’s aim to make 100 per cent of EV production local, contributing to both sustainability and economic growth.
Challenges in EV Charging Infrastructure While EV adoption is on the rise, India’s progress is hindered by gaps in charging infrastructure. Sustainable EV infrastructure, especially charging stations, is critical to supporting the EV ecosystem. However, several challenges remain:
Unequal Distribution of Charging Stations: Most of India’s 1,742 charging stations are located in urban areas, leaving rural regions underserved.
Limited Grid Capacity: Although EVs will only account for 1.3% to 4.8% of India’s overall electricity demand by 2030, managing peak demand and ensuring grid stability remain key issues.
Technological Constraints: Current charging methods, including conductive, inductive, and battery swapping, all present unique challenges in cost, efficiency, and scalability.
Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Compared to global EV leaders like Singapore, India’s regulatory framework is still evolving, and better coordination between the government and private sector is essential to build a robust charging infrastructure. To achieve its EV goals, India needs to significantly expand and upgrade its EV charging network. Sustainable EV infrastructure in both urban and rural areas is essential for widespread adoption. Here are key strategies for success:
Expansion to Rural Areas: Addressing the rural-urban disparity with solar-powered and mobile charging stations can help bring sustainable mobility to remote regions.
Partnerships: Public-private partnerships will be crucial in scaling up the infrastructure. Stakeholders such as automakers, technology companies, and the government must work together to establish a reliable and accessible network of charging points.
Technological Innovations:
Standardizing charging systems and investing in advanced technologies like smart grids and energy storage solutions can make EV infrastructure more efficient and user-friendly.
Supportive Policies: Financial incentives, tax breaks, and clearer regulations on EV infrastructure development can help catalyze faster growth in the sector. As India continues its journey toward sustainable mobility, developing a robust EV charging infrastructure is critical to ensuring the success of its electric mobility mission. With the government’s ambitious targets and contributions from key players, India is poised to make substantial progress in transforming its transportation sector. With collective effort, India can achieve its vision of a greener, cleaner future while fostering economic growth.
(The author is CTO & Co-Founder, Park+; views are personal)
