India's EV Race: Act Now or Fall Behind

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.

Electrifying India's transport sector is more than an environmental goal; it is a gateway to becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. This shift will reduce oil import dependency, improve air quality, stimulate investment in advanced technologies, and ensure India remains competitive as the world moves away from internal combustion engines. The next decade will define automotive industry leaders, and India must decisively choose to lead through ambitious electrification policies.