Home / Environment / Punjab's Smog War: EVs Replace Petrol Fleet
Punjab's Smog War: EVs Replace Petrol Fleet
16 Jan
Summary
- Punjab will only purchase electric and hybrid vehicles for its future fleet.
- Transport emissions are a major contributor to smog, accounting for 39-43%.
- New petrol stations will require EV charging stations to operate.
The Punjab government has announced a significant policy change, mandating that all future official vehicle purchases will be exclusively electric or hybrid. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat the severe smog conditions plaguing the province. While the gradual replacement of the existing fleet means immediate air quality benefits are unlikely, the commitment sends a powerful market signal.
To expedite the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the government will link future permissions for petrol pumps to the installation of EV charging stations. This measure directly addresses range anxiety, a primary barrier to EV uptake. Reports indicate that transport emissions are a persistent and leading cause of smog, potentially contributing between 39% and 43% of air pollution, exacerbated by low-quality fuels and aging vehicles.
Although Punjab has implemented commendable steps like electrifying public transport and distributing e-bikes, lax enforcement against polluting vehicles remains a concern. For breathable air, the transition to electric mobility must be coupled with sustained, stringent actions against conventional petrol and diesel vehicles.
