A tricky opportunity

Although the rise of EVs in India promises reduced pollution and sustainable transport, it faces challenges in the realm of infrastructure, affordability, environmental impact, and state finances

- SHOVANLAL CHAKRABORTY

The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) in India represents a pivotal move towards curbing pollution and embracing sustainable transportation solutions. The EV story began in the 1830s with Robert Anderson's early motorised carriage powered by non-rechargeable batteries. The advent of rechargeable batteries in 1859 marked a significant advancement, and by the 1880s, electric cars were functional and set speed records for their quiet, clean operation. In 1908, the Ford Model T revolutionised the automotive world with its affordable, gasoline-powered internal combustion engine, offering greater range and convenience compared to electric cars, which were up to 10 times more costly by the early 1920s. Internal combustion engines soon overshadowed the early electric models.

Today, the trend is reversing due to advances in battery technology, rising fossil fuel prices and increasing environmental concerns. Countries like Norway and the Netherlands are setting ambitious targets to phase out fossil fuel vehicles, though most cars on the road are still internal combustion engine-powered. In India, the focus on electric public transport laid the groundwork for early electric cars like Lovebird and Vikram Safa in the 1990s. A key milestone was the 2001 launch of Reva, India's first mass-produced electric car. Government schemes like FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles), introduced in 2015, have boosted growth, especially for affordable two-wheelers. Transitioning from electric public transport to widespread personal EVs in India involves overcoming challenges related to affordability, infrastructure and policy. India is expected to become the third-largest market for EVs globally within the next five years, driven by rapid industry development. However, the fact that 80-85 per cent of India's lithium-ion batteries are imported from China raises sovereignty concerns. The country must develop a robust EV supply chain domestically and reduce reli