hidden image

“Switch Delhi” Merits Emulation

Aarti Aarti
01 Mar 2021

At a time when retail prices of petrol and diesel have been rising almost on a daily basis, the recent decision of the Delhi Government to promote the adoption of electric mode is noteworthy.
 
India imports petroleum products to cover over 80 percent of its transport fuel to power motor vehicles. Two-wheelers which constitutes close to 79 per cent of the total number of vehicles. Three-wheelers (passenger and goods), including tempos are only 4 per cent of the total number of vehicles. Buses and large goods vehicles like trucks account for only 3 percent of the total number of vehicles but many of them contribute considerably to air pollution. Economy and premium four-wheelers constitute 12 percent and 2 percent of the total number of vehicles respectively many of which also contribute to rising pollution levels.
 
The electric vehicle (EV) policy, announced in December 2019 and notified by the Delhi government in August last year has envisaged that 25 per cent of all new vehicle registrations would be Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) by 2024. Primarily, the EV policy focuses on electric two-wheelers, shared transport vehicles (e.g. three-wheelers/buses) and goods carriers/freight vehicles, since they contribute to the majority of the vehicular pollution. At present, electric two-wheelers constitute only 0.2 per cent of annual two-wheeler sales, and electric cars 0.1 per cent of car sales, the sale of electric three-wheelers (autos/goods carriers) are almost zero.

To motivate buyers of EVs, the Delhi government is targeting induction of 35,000 electric two, three, four wheelers and buses along with 1,000 electric vehicles for last mile deliveries and 250 public charging and battery swapping stations. 

The EV policy, among others, aims towards reducing air pollution.  Besides waiving road tax and registration charges, other incentives on EVs range from a maximum of Rs 30,000 for two and three-wheelers and up to Rs 1,50,000 on the purchase of 4-wheelers. The subsidy would be credited in the bank account of the buyer within three days of the purchase of an electric vehicle.
 
That over 7,000 new EVs have been so far registered in Delhi and a total subsidy of around Rs 13.5 crore on over 210 approved models has been disbursed as of now depicts people are slowly switching on to zero polluting vehicles. But much needs to done because there are over 109.86 lakh vehicles plying on Delhi roads that includes 32,46,637  four wheelers, 1,13,074 autos and 70,78,428 two wheelers, a phased shift to EVs can cut down vehicular pollution significantly.
 
If the move of the Delhi government to hire only EVs by its departments within the next 6 months coupled with its policy to replace all end-of-life vehicles powered by fossil fuels EVs is implemented in the right earnest, it would benefit the masses significantly. In terms of savings, as studies indicate, induction of EVs religiously in the next 5 years can cut down oil/natural gas imports which in monetary terms would be to the tune of approximately Rs 6,000 crore. Most importantly, it will curtail avoidable tailpipe emissions to the tune of about 159 tonnes of PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter).
 
The Government of India had put in place the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme in March 2015 for a period of 2 years to promote adoption of EVs including electric cars in order to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. Presently, Phase II of the scheme which is under implementation till 2022 with a total budgetary support of Rs. 10,000 crore would mainly focus on supporting electrification of public and shared transportation. Accordingly about 7000 e-Buses, 5 lakh e-3 Wheelers, 55000 e-4 Wheeler Passenger Cars and 10 lakh e-2 Wheelers are to be supported under the FAME India Phase II.
 
Use of EVs have several advantages as they can largely reduce primary oil consumption in transportation including pollution in cities. Evidently, electric vehicles do not require servicing or change of parts as frequently as diesel and petrol cars. However there is an imperative need to ensure that the key components of EVs, namely the battery and the motor are manufactured to world standards locally so that it can cut down imports and generate employment.
 
It needs to be appreciated that considering a shift from fossil fuel powered motor vehicles to EVs will not only lead to enormous socio-economic and environmental benefits, but the air will be cleaner and the noise level as well as the oil import bills will drastically come down. With the automobile industry struggling for survival, electric vehicles can change the automobile ecosystem drastically.
 
Switch Delhi merits emulation.
 
 
 
 

Recent Posts

The Emergency must be remembered, not as a tool to target a political party but as a lesson against authoritarian excess. Yet, we cannot ignore that worse violations of democratic norms and human righ
apicture A. J. Philip
30 Jun 2025
Fifty years later, India faces a chilling déjà vu with an 'undeclared' Emergency. Freedom of speech is stifled, dissent is suppressed, and institutions are compromised. True democracy demands resistan
apicture Cedric Prakash
30 Jun 2025
Amit Shah's claim that those who speak English will be ashamed evidences that the BJP-RSS is trying to bring down the populace and push India into another Vedic dark age where ignorance and superstiti
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
30 Jun 2025
The NSE's ?1,400 crore settlement with SEBI raises critical concerns about India's financial markets. Any perceived regulatory capture risks eroding trust.
apicture Jaswant Kaur
30 Jun 2025
Christian education in India has had a profound influence on democracy and social justice in the country. It played a pivotal role in challenging caste oppression, promoting inclusivity, and fostering
apicture Fr Soroj Mullick, SDB
30 Jun 2025
"The spread of digital culture, particularly evident among young people, is profoundly changing their experience of space and time; it influences their daily activities, communication, and interperson
apicture Joe Eruppakkatt
30 Jun 2025
Welcome to the Happy State of Emergency: Where freedom is carefully curated, minds are pre-cooked, and Big Brother doesn't need to frown—he just raises one eyebrow... and we salute…!
apicture Robert Clements
30 Jun 2025
The North-South divide reflects India's broader regional and cultural tensions. The progress of Southern states in health, education, and development contrasts with the Hindi belt's struggles on devel
apicture Thomas Menamparampil
23 Jun 2025
India's 2027 census and ensuing delimitation will redefine its political landscape. As northern states gain influence due to burgeoning population, southern states will face reduced representation des
apicture Dr John Singarayar
23 Jun 2025
For India to become a global healthcare power, it must democratise medical education—revise outdated rules, invest in public institutions, expand seats, embrace technology, and ensure affordability. A
apicture A. J. Philip
23 Jun 2025