India has been pushing for greater adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its efforts to curb pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. In recent years, nearly about 4.49 Lakhs E- vehicles are sold in India.
What is an Electric vehicle(EV)?
An electric vehicle (EV) utilizes an electric motor instead of an internal-combustion engine, which burns fuel and gases to generate power. This makes EVs a potential substitute for traditional automobiles, as they can help tackle the problem of increasing pollution, global warming, and dwindling natural resources.
How it was Launched?
India initiated its promotion of electric vehicles in 2010 via a Rs 95 crore scheme approved by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It was offering up to 20% incentives on ex-factory prices of vehicles, effective November 2010. The MNRE withdrew the subsidy scheme in 2012.
In 2013, India launched the ‘National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020’ to shift towards electric vehicles, and tackle energy security, pollution and domestic manufacturing. Although the plan included subsidies and infrastructure, it was not fully executed.
In 2015 a Rs 75 crore ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME)’ scheme launched. It targeting sales of up to 7 million clean-fuel technology cars by 2020. However, due to industry concerns, the government reduced its 100% electric car target to 30% in 2017. The Rs 10,000-crore FAME-II scheme launched in 2019 offers incentives on electric and hybrid vehicle purchases and builds charging infrastructure to promote their adoption.
Benefits of E- Vehicles
Electric vehicles offer several advantages over traditional petrol or diesel vehicles.
Firstly, the running costs of electric vehicles are much lower due to their higher efficiency and the lower cost of electricity compared to fossil fuels.
Secondly, electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional vehicles due to their simpler design with fewer moving parts.
Thirdly, They also have zero tailpipe emissions, making them environmentally friendly and reducing carbon footprints.
Fourthly, electric vehicles offer tax and financial benefits, including lower registration fees and road taxes.
Lastly, they are easy to drive and convenient to charge at home, and they produce no noise pollution.
Overall, electric vehicles are a promising solution to the problems associated with traditional vehicles. India aims to significantly increase its non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
Sales of Electric vehicle in Delhi
Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey told Lok Sabha that the FAME India Phase II scheme offers incentives for faster EV adoption nationwide
In December, Delhi’s EV sales accounted for 16.8% of total vehicle sales with 7,046 units sold, marking an 86% YoY increase. This achievement reflects the success of the 2020 Delhi EV Policy, making it the top state in EV sales. The policy aims to increase EV adoption and achieve a 25% contribution to new vehicle registrations in Delhi by 2024.
As of December 31, 2022, Delhi had recorded 93,239 registered electric vehicles since the policy’s launch. In 2022 alone, registrations for more than 62,000 electric vehicles were made. The high number of registrations in 2022 suggests a significant acceleration in the adoption of electric vehicles in Delhi. Electric vehicle sales saw a remarkable 141% increase compared to the previous year.
In Delhi, EV adoption has been noteworthy across multiple vehicle segments. As of 2022, two-wheelers comprised 55% of total EV sales. On the other hand, three-wheelers (E-rickshaws, electric auto-rickshaws, and goods carriers) accounted for 35% of EV sales.
Tata Motors holds an impressive 90% market share in India’s four-wheeler EV segment, having sold 36,000 electric cars this year. In the two-wheeler segment, Ola Electric is the clear leader. Ola Electric’s dominance in the two-wheeler segment is similar to that of Tata Motors in the four-wheeler segment.