Driving Towards a Sustainable Transportation Revolution in India

Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of India's sustainable transport revolution. In 2023, the EV market in India saw impressive growth, with over 1.5 million units sold, up by 50% from the previous year.

June 13, 2024. By News Bureau

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Sustainable transportation

India is aspiring for a future in which transport is not just a way of getting from point A to point B or moving people around, but also a catalyst of change. With greater focus towards becoming environmentally conscious, the country is gradually turning to the use of inventions to help cut down pollution. The future of transportation is indeed green as we see electric vehicles and energy sources taking over the world rapidly. This is because developed countries such as Canada, Japan, and the United States have already set precedents by incorporating fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for trucks. In its recent study, NITI AAYOG, along with RMI India has highlighted the increasing importance of sustainability in the freight transport sector of India. The study highlights three key opportunity areas for reducing energy consumption: This can be done through increasing the use of multimodal transportation, improving the efficiency of the use of trucks and efficiently encouraging the utilisation of fuel-efficient automobiles and other fuels.

Accelerating EV Adoption
Electric vehicles (EVs) are at the forefront of India's sustainable transport revolution. In 2023, the EV market in India saw impressive growth, with over 1.5 million units sold, up by 50% from the previous year. This growth was largely driven by electric two-wheelers, which recorded a striking Q3 FY24 sales growth of 34.42%. Government initiatives like the FAME India scheme play a critical role in this expansion by offering subsidies and promoting the development of advanced batteries, which are essential for reducing costs and enhancing electric mobility. Furthermore, renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, are being leveraged to power EVs, making the transition to electric transport more sustainable and economically viable.

Embracing Alternative Fuels
The drive towards sustainable transportation in India is not limited to electric vehicles. Alternative fuels, such as hydrogen fuel cells and biofuels, are also gaining traction. The National Hydrogen Energy Mission aims to position India as a global exporter of hydrogen, while the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) scheme mandates the use of 20% ethanol mixed with petrol by 2025.

Moreover, the research undertaken by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) shows that biofuels can significantly reduce GHG emissions. These strategies, by decreasing reliance on non-renewable resources, contributing to a more sustainable future for India's transportation sector.

Unveiling the Potential of Renewables
The integration of renewable energy, specifically solar energy contributes significantly to the green mobility domain. It has been demonstrated that the electric vehicles charging points coupled with solar rooftop amenities are more profitable than those tied to the grid only. In the study conducted by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology, and Policy (CSTEP), it has been identified that EV charging stations based on solar power provide a better economy, which signifies a good opportunity to employ renewable sources of energy in the transportation sector. The fact that all recent announcements concerning the Indian budget have included attempts at both deepening and strengthening the EV ecosystem means that the country has taken the greatest leap towards sustainable means of transportation.

Building a Greener Future
India's stride towards sustainable transportation gains momentum with initiatives targeting enhanced accessibility and affordability of Electric Vehicles (EVs), alongside the promotion of alternative fuels and integration of advanced technologies. According to estimates by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the demand for charging stations is projected to exceed a million by 2030, aligning with the exponential growth in the electric vehicle market. This surge in EV sales accentuates the imperative for alternative energy sources, with solar-powered charging stations emerging as a promising solution to address the energy requirements of electric vehicles. Complementing this, the Ministries of Power and Railways are envisaging greener Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) by incorporating solar panels, thereby reinforcing India's steadfast commitment to sustainability in transportation.

Technological Integration for Sustainability
Advanced technologies are crucial for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of transportation. Smart technologies like V2G (Vehicle-to-grid), and other forms of real-time data information are essential in enhancing productivity and reducing the effects on the environment. The use of Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data is transforming the mobility industry. IoT-powered AI software, for instance, optimises EV charging duration based on weather, queues, and station availability, improving efficiency and user convenience. Additionally, smart mobility solutions like Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and Mobility on Demand (MoD) are revolutionising urban transportation by offering eco-friendly options. Digitalization integrates technologies such as smart materials and digital twins, further advancing the EV industry towards a smarter, more efficient future.

Current Status and Challenges
India's journey towards sustainable transportation is marked by significant milestones and persistent challenges. The country has made progress in adopting electric vehicles (EVs), but the commercial sector still faces hurdles such as high initial costs, inadequate charging infrastructure, and limited consumer awareness. Despite government initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, the penetration of EVs remains low compared to the overall vehicle market. Overcoming these challenges requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, industry players, and consumers to build a robust EV ecosystem that supports wide-scale adoption. Companies are increasingly recognizing the environmental and economic benefits of incorporating EVs into their fleets, with many opting for electric trucks to reduce emissions and operational costs. The widespread adoption of EVs in the commercial sector is not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also presents a significant opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves through eco-friendly practices. As technology continues to evolve, with advancements in battery life, charging infrastructure, and interoperability, the commercial sector is poised to play a leading role in the widespread adoption of EVs, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

With the vision of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070, electric vehicles are integral to the progress towards a cleaner future in India. India means business and is completely focused and dedicated to attain sustainability, with innovation and introduction of the use of various fuels. This coupled with advanced technologies, the country is set to be the torch-bearer for a clean, green and prosperous future. The target of providing sustainable transportation will become a reality soon, with the support of key stakeholders, in order to revolutionise the face of mobility in India in the coming years. From optimization and promotion of EVs, to the integration and adoption of renewable energy sources, and from embracing new technologies, India’s drive toward sustainable mobility is characterised by persistence, creativity, and the resolve to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

- Nikhil Agarwal, President, CJ Darcl Logistics