Seven changes could charge up India's electric vehicle transition

We should sharpen our approach and take focused measures to keep the goal of 30% EV penetration by 2030 within reach

- B.V.R. SUBRAHMANYAM & O.P. AGARWAL

India seeks to transition its vehicular fleet from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs). The objectives are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as dependence on imported petroleum fuel and improve the air quality in its cities. While significant progress has been made, with about 2 million EVs having been sold in 2024, this is short of our target. While the aim is to achieve an EV penetration rate of 30% by 2030, meaning 30% of the total vehicles sold in 2030 should be electric, we have been able to reach just 7.7% in 2024. This was after about nine years of effort. Getting to 30% in the next five years will, therefore, need a considerable step-up from business as usual. New and more aggressive measures will be needed to accelerate the pace of this transition.

For that, several challenges need to be overcome. The high capital cost of the vehicle—even if operating costs are low—has proven to be a major barrier, especially in the case of electric buses and trucks. Inadequate coordination in setting up charging stations and providing timely power connections has been another barrier. Locating charging stations on the basis of where land is conveniently available without taking into account the movement patterns of vehicles has had its limitations. Inadequate awareness of the benefits of EVs has been yet another challenge. In recognition of these challenges, especially in India's unique context, some important changes are necessary.