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Are Electric Vehicles Really Feasible In India? — Steps Taken By The Government To Promote EVs
The feasibility of electric vehicles in India is something which the majority still have their doubts about. The question of whether EVs would actually work in India as per popular belief was even raised recently in the Rajya Sabha. Now, the Indian government has shared the steps taken to promote electric vehicles in the country.
Autocar India shares that the government has come up with around seven steps to make electric mobility in India, an attainable goal. Brands such as Mahindra Electric, Ather Energy and Okinawa have already launched some compelling products.
Here are the above-mentioned steps in detail:
1. The conversion of regular vehicles to electrified versions by retro-fitting hybrid powertrains is something which the government had notified. This involves a specified procedure which takes efficiency and safety into account.
2. In order to have an identity of their own, EVs will have a new kind of registration plates. Battery-operated vehicles can easily be identified in the future by their white-in-green number plate.
3. To promote electric two-wheelers powered by motors with capacity up to 4kW, the eligibility to ride them was made lenient. Individuals from 16 years of age can ride such gearless e-scooters and bikes legally.
4. Regarding charging facilities, the Ministry of Power issued a policy and clarified that such infrastructure will be a service rather than the sale of electricity. Furthermore, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has amended the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines to promote charging stations in private and commercial buildings.
5. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) commercialises indigenously-developed lithium-ion battery technology. 14 companies are present for the transfer of technology; thus promoting localisation and reducing ownership costs.
6. NITI Aayog or National Institution for Transforming India has introduced electric buses in various cities for 'public transportation on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode' on a cost/km basis to avoid initial or capital cost. This essentially makes manufacturers service providers and thereby lower the government's capital expenditure.
7. Phase-1 of FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and hybrid vehicles) came into effect on April 1, 2015, and extends to March 31, 2019. All vehicles coming under the scheme are incentivised in a demand-creation focus.
Thoughts On The Steps Taken By The Government To Promote EVs In India
The Indian government is quite serious about attaining efficient and effective electric mobility as early as possible. Fuel prices in India are on the rise and emission-free public transport is highly recommended in major cities. As for us automotive enthusiasts, electric mobility is always welcome as long as it does not become a replacement for proper driver-focussed IC-engined cars.
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