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With an aim to reduce vehicular emissions which contributes nearly 25 per cent of total emissions, India’s effort to switch to electric vehicles (EV) may bear fruit soon, according to a recent report. The said report has predicted that the sector’s compound annual growth rate (CAGR) may reach as high as 80 per cent by the year 2027. Increasing awareness among the people, curb on old vehicles run on fossil fuel and various sops announced by the government for the EV users, etc. are being cited as reasons behind such a boom in this sector. If the prediction made by experts about the prospect of EVs in India becomes a reality, the country will be able to move closer to its goal of zero emissions.
Curbing vehicular pollution is very important as it contributes hugely to global warming by emitting greenhouse gases. As per recent figures, transport sector pollution has reached an alarming level in India. It releases more than 30 per cent of particulate matter measuring less than 2.5 microns in diameter to the air. Such particles are dangerous for both the environment and public health as these smaller matters remain suspended in the air for a long time and may cause lung-related problems. According to a rough estimate, India contributes nearly 29 crore kg smaller particles to the air annually and if the present rate of emission goes unabated, projected greenhouse gas emission will be 90 per cent higher in 2050 than that of 2020.
Obviously, pressure is mounting on India to curb vehicular pollution drastically in the shortest possible time. India has no other option but to reduce emissions to the permissible level without wasting any time considering the situation in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru among others. It’s a pity that India’s capital has now earned the dubious distinction of being one of the most polluted cities in the world. So, the problem cannot be ignored any more as it may turn this subcontinent inhabitable for human settlement.
EVs can surely be the answer to bringing down the alarming rate of emissions and so far has made good progress in India. But few roadblocks are still existing which need to be removed at the earliest to achieve the desired goal. First and foremost prices of EVs are much higher than cars driven by fossil fuels, which should be reduced to an affordable level. Secondly, there is shortage of EV batteries and if not addressed immediately may hamper the growth of this sector. Last but not least, nationwide EV battery charging infrastructure should be developed on a war-footing to lure more people into using EVs. At present, there are only a handful of charging stations in the country, which is preventing EV owners from traveling long distances. Thus, India can achieve its zero emission goal only after removing such hurdles.