What are the key actions needed for India's EV transition?

India needs to mandate 100% electric two- and three-wheeler sales by 2030, strengthen CAFE norms for cars, and establish a national 'Right to Charge'.

Why is Delhi's air pollution relevant to India's EV strategy?

Delhi's air pollution crisis underscores the immediate need for widespread EV adoption to improve air quality and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

What challenges exist for EV adoption in urban India?

A major barrier is the lack of reliable charging access in multi-storey apartments, necessitating a 'Right to Charge' law.

Home / Business and Economy / India's EV Race: Act Now or Fall Behind

India's EV Race: Act Now or Fall Behind

3 Jan

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Summary

India must mandate 100% electric two- and three-wheeler sales by 2030.
Strengthened CAFE norms are crucial to accelerate electric car adoption.
A national 'Right to Charge' law is needed for urban EV adoption.

Delhi's escalating air pollution highlights the critical need for India to transition to full electric mobility, a move now deemed a strategic necessity for industrial competitiveness and national resilience. Global automotive markets are rapidly transforming, with China leading in EV supply chains and the US and Europe implementing significant industrial policies. India risks falling behind if it does not aggressively scale electrification across all vehicle segments, potentially losing domestic markets and export opportunities.

To accelerate this transition, three priority actions are essential. First, India must mandate the electrification of all two- and three-wheeler sales by 2030, given their dominance in the transport system and the proven cost-effectiveness of EVs. Second, strengthening Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, aligning them with global standards and tightening compliance, is vital to drive the adoption of electric cars. Finally, a national 'Right to Charge' law is urgently required to address charging accessibility barriers, particularly in urban multi-unit dwellings, thereby transforming EV ownership into a mainstream choice.