Amid Centre's big push for electric vehicles (EV), the Economic Survey has stressed the need for appropriate policy measures to lower the overall lifetime ownership costs of EVs and making them an attractive alternative to conventional vehicles for all consumers.
Further, access to fast charging facilities needs to be fostered to increase the market share of EVs. Such steps are essential as India has every potential to emerge Detroit of EVs in the future generating employment and growth opportunities.
Citing Niti Aayog, the Survey said in India, electric two-wheelers have been the major part of EV sales with sales of around 54,800 in 2018. The electrification of two-wheelers and buses has picked up pace in recent years. The Niti Aayog has planned transitioning to full EVs for three-wheelers by 2023 and two-wheelers with an engine capacity less than 150cc by 2025.
PLUGGED IN THE CHARGING MODE
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- 54,800 – Electric two-wheeler sales in 2018
- Market share of electric cars is around 2% in China while it is around 39% in Norway. In the Indian market, the share of electric cars is a meagre 0.06%
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At the global level, the Survey notes that the market share of electric cars is around 2% in China while it is around 39% in Norway, whereas the Indian market share of electric cars is a meagre 0.06%.
Therefore, the Survey said the development of appropriate battery technologies that can function efficiently in the high-temperature conditions in India need to be given utmost importance. The increased ease of adoption of EVs can be encouraged by providing information on public chargers to the users of EVs through online maps and other means such as physical signage.
Kavan Mukhtyar, partner & leader (automotive), PwC India, told DNA Money, ''Shift to EV is a long-term opportunity and it will have a positive impact on pollution control. However, there is a need for a holistic view to see what will be its impact on investment policies and also on auto component manufacturers and suppliers.''
On the other hand, Himanshu Mishra, vice-president (projects & regulatory affairs), Sunsource Energy, said that EV charging stations must be established based on proper load flow studies, otherwise, it will put further stress on the distribution network. ''Grant of connectivity and pushing EV charging infrastructure require integrated thinking when both the public and private players are building the infrastructure,'' he said.
