Written by Mandeep Singh, Assistant Professor Bennett University, Greater Noida
India’s target to go net-zero by 2070 is very aggressive and ambitious, especially considering the pace of industrialisation in the country and the growing energy demand. One of the primary drivers of this goal is going to be the widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles.
This transition to EVs significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, decreases air pollution, and makes energy more sustainable overall.
The transportation sector is the largest contributor to carbon emissions in India. The International Energy Agency estimated that, as of 2020, it is close to 13% of the total carbon emissions.
Millions of internal combustion engine vehicles are on Indian roads, which makes the country dependent on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and one of the biggest drivers of its carbon footprint. With zero tailpipe emissions, EVs are a practical and scalable solution to reduce pollution and carbon emissions from the country.
As the market for EVs continues to grow, these vehicles will significantly contribute to the reduction of India’s reliance on fossil fuels and cut emissions from one of the most carbon-intensive sectors.
For instance, substituting only 1 million vehicles operating in India with conventionally powered internal combustion engines with an equal number of electric-powered vehicles could reduce approximately 1.5 million tons of CO 2 emissions yearly.
This figure indicates the extent to which EVs might mean an absolute reduction in India’s net overall emissions. In addition to this, as renewable sources of energy become the increased share of the power mix, the lifecycle emissions due to EVs are also going to come down progressively.
With a large portion of India’s carbon footprint being attributed to the transport sector, a shift towards EVs is likely to herald tremendous change. Not only would EVs reduce emissions, but they also enable India not to depend solely on oil imports as an energy source, with long-term energy security becoming possible the added advantage is that EVs can well be powered through renewable sources like solar and wind.
Explaining the industry Samarth Kholkar CEO and Co-founder of Blive said, “As we approach 2025, India’s electric two-wheeler market is witnessing an exceptional growth phase, with sales increasing from approximately 45,000 units in FY 2021 to nearly 950,000 units in FY 2024—a CAGR of over 176%.
He noted that government support through initiatives like the PM eDrive campaign, alongside consumer demand for sustainable mobility, is fueling this momentum.
“The rise of quick commerce, with its demand for faster and eco-friendly deliveries, has further boosted EV adoption. Innovations in battery technology and a rapidly expanding charging network—growing at an estimated 60% annually—are making electric two-wheelers more accessible and reliable. By 2025, the market is expected to redefine India’s mobility landscape, setting new benchmarks for sustainable growth” he further added.
Government Initiatives Over the Last Decade
India has been making significant strides over the last decade to accelerate the adoption of EVs, and the government’s initiatives have been instrumental in this transformation.
FAME India Scheme: Launched in 2015, the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme is an attempt to promote the production and adoption of EVs. FAME provides financial incentives to consumers and manufacturers. It focuses on subsidies for electric cars, buses, and two-wheelers, and also on the expansion of EV charging infrastructure.
National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP): Launched in 2013, the NEMMP aims to be a roadmap for the adoption of EVs and hopes to make India a leader in electric mobility by 2030. The strategy is focused on manufacturing, infrastructure development, and building demand for EVs.
State-Level Incentives: Several state governments have enacted their own policies to promote EVs, offering tax rebates, incentives for electric vehicle buyers, and subsidies to manufacturers. States like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat have rolled out specific policies that encourage the adoption of EVs, making them more affordable for consumers.
EV Charging Infrastructure Development: The Indian government recognized that charging infrastructure is the key enabler for the growth of EVs. Substantial investments in charging station expansion across the country were made. Building a strong network of EV charging through initiatives like the National Electric Mobility infrastructure Mission has also been a priority in promoting the growing number of electric vehicles on roads.
As the adoption of EVs continues to gain momentum, the government’s continuing policy support, along with technological advancements in battery storage and charging infrastructure, will be critical in helping India meet its ambitious net-zero target by 2070.
While the push for adoption is undoubtedly positive for India’s future in terms of environment and energy, some of the challenges must be acknowledged. On the plus side, EVs have a lot to do in reducing air pollution, curtailing greenhouse gas emissions, and giving India the advantage of energy security due to reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
They also offer the prospect of India being at the cutting edge of green technology with employment and industrial production creation. However, there are also challenges that have to be overcome. High investment cost of EVs, lack of charging infrastructure, and thethe
environmental implication of battery production and disposal.
Also, the electricity used to charge most EVs is not from renewable sources. Therefore, their total positive impact on the environment decreases if it is not coupled with clean energy strategies. In its path toward becoming a net-zero nation, India must strike an effective balance, considering all the pros and cons related to EVs.
