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An electric vehicle (EV) can be commonly defined as a vehicle powered by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery and is capable of being charged from an external source.
Illustration by The Geostrata
With sustainable development and energy transition being key buzzwords in the energy sector, EVs have been touted as one of the solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering air pollution levels, and reducing the global dependence on fossil fuels to power vehicles.
Boasting greater energy efficiency than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles that rely on petrol or diesel, EVs can facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources in the expansive transportation sector across the world. However, like any promising technology, EVs have both benefits and drawbacks, especially when planning their wide-scale adoption in a country as vast as India.
Notably, in 2023, India recorded a significant surge in the sale of electric vehicles, with total volume surpassing 1.5 million units. This was a 50% increase compared to sales in 2022.
The overall share of EVs in auto sales rose sharply from 1.75% in 2021 to 6.38% in 2023, clearly indicating the Indian consumers’ growing preference for EVs. Similarly, the projection for 2024 is expected to exceed 2 million units, highlighting increasing demand.
The positive numbers in the Indian market can be attributed to certain features of EVs. One of the primary benefits of electric vehicles is their lower running costs. Unlike petrol or diesel vehicles that rely on fossil fuels, EVs use electricity to charge their batteries, making them more efficient and cheaper to operate.
Charging an EV costs less than filling up with conventional fuels, and this cost is further reduced when the charging sources are powered by renewable energy sources like solar panels which are gaining popularity in India.
Additionally, this also reduces the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels. Furthermore, EVs have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in lower maintenance costs and fewer servicing requirements. The combination of these factors means that the overall yearly cost of running an EV is significantly lower.
Electric vehicles also have zero tailpipe emissions, thus reducing carbon footprints and improving air quality. EVs are easier to operate, quiet, and convenient to charge at home, eliminating the need for frequent trips to fuel stations. These advantages make electric vehicles a practical and sustainable choice for the future of Indian transportation. In a country where traffic congestion, air quality, and noise pollution continue to deteriorate periodically, EVs can be a solution to alleviate considerable stress in these areas.
Most importantly, in terms of efficiency, electric vehicles are recorded to convert almost 60% of the electrical energy from the grid compared to petrol or diesel cars that convert only 17%-21% of the energy stored in the fuel to power itself. Petrol or diesel vehicles also emit almost three times more carbon dioxide than the average EV.
To further reduce the impact of charging electric vehicles, the Indian government has unveiled plans to achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by the year 2030.
However, despite the advantages that EVs bring to the fore, the adoption of this technology over long-used petrol and diesel vehicles faces some hindrances in India.
A primary setback is the overall cost of transitioning to electric vehicles. The cost of procuring EV components, including batteries, is currently higher compared to continuing with petrol and diesel vehicles. In fact, batteries make up a significant part of an electric vehicle’s overall cost. In a price-sensitive market like India, this can deter potential customers and make EVs unaffordable for others.
Until recently, there were no EVs in the sub-lakh category until Tata and MG introduced sub-lakh cars in 2023. This is also expected to inspire other mainstream manufacturers to do the same while also pointing towards the lack of efforts from big players in making EVs affordable in the market.
Another concern is the establishment of efficient networks of charging infrastructure, without which large-scale adoption of EVs is impossible. India’s existing EV charging infrastructure is on all counts, limited. An average EV requires a charging time of 3-4 hours. The scarcity of charging stations in public spaces coupled with long charging hours pose challenges for EV owners, leading to range anxiety.
‘Range anxiety’ refers to the concern EV owners or drivers experience about how far their vehicle can travel on a full or partial charge. This stress is worsened by the limited driving range of many EVs due to India’s varying geographical features and the long distance between charging stations.
These factors also prevent EVs from being considered for long-distance travel, thus deterring a potential customer base. Furthermore, India’s extreme weather conditions, including hot summers and cold winters, can also affect the performance and range of electric vehicles.
High temperatures can cause battery degradation and lower overall efficiency, while cold weather can reduce battery performance and range. Thus, developing EV technologies that can withstand and perform optimally under India’s sensitive weather patterns is crucial for their success in the country.
There is also a lack of standardisation in EV technologies that presents a significant challenge for the industry. Manufacturers use different battery chemistries, charging connectors, and powertrain configurations, resulting in a lack of overall uniformity. This complicates the charging process and impedes the development of interoperable charging infrastructure.
Additionally, minerals like cobalt, nickel, and lithium are required to build EV batteries. Industries that use these minerals have long been criticized for sourcing them through unethical mining practices that rely on child labour and environmental exploitation.
Termed 'blood batteries,' the upcoming EV industry in India will have to contend with these ethical challenges by prioritizing responsible sourcing to ensure that the materials used in batteries are extracted sustainably and legally.
There is also a prevalent concern among the public regarding the safety of EVs, especially after reports of these vehicles catching fire or overheating. To address these concerns and ensure the public is not discouraged from investing in these technologies, positive word-of-mouth, trust-building exercises, government support, and the entry of credible manufacturers are essential.
In conclusion, while electric vehicles have a promising future in the Indian market, it has to overcome several challenges for successful widespread adoption. Recently, the Indian government has shown favourable support to the EV industry. It has recognized the importance of EVs and implemented initiatives to support their adoption.
For instance, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme which will provide subsidies and incentives to both manufacturers and consumers of EVs.
The government is also working to improve the EV charging infrastructure by promoting the establishment of charging stations across the country, including in remote and rural areas. Efforts to standardize charging connectors and battery technologies are also underway.
Moreover, the government’s commitment to achieving 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 aligns with the goal of making EVs a sustainable choice for the future. There are also planned awareness campaigns and educational initiatives being organised to inform the public about the benefits of EVs and address misconceptions.
With continued support from the government, collaboration among industry stakeholders, and advancements in EV technology, India can overcome these hurdles and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector.
BY SNEHA SURENDRAN
CENTRE FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
TEAM GEOSTRATA
great read!
A sustainable transportation sector 🙌🏻
Insightful