Electric Vehicles In India: Global and National Leadership’s Role in the Sustainable Future

Overview

As we walk through the transformative times of public transportation by introducing electric vehicles in India, the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) cannot be ignored. The shift represents a pivotal moment in human civilization’s collective journey to a future that is sustainable and better in all aspects, especially for India, where millions rely on petrol and diesel vehicles.

The International Energy Agency’s Global EV Outlook 2024 shares a progressive picture, with global EV sales reaching an unprecedented 14 million units in 2023, marking a 35% increase from the previous year. Plus, the growth insights of electric vehicles in India are reaching to their new heights every year, especially in past two years.

The surge of EVs in the global EV market (including India) has brought the total number of electric cars on roads worldwide to approximately 40 million, projecting an intense shift in the automotive industry in a few years.

For India, a nation at the carrefour of rapid economic growth and serious environmental governance, the EV revolution presents both challenges and opportunities of immense proportions.

Since India is seriously progressing towards minimizing its greenhouse gasses (GHGs), the country’s transition to electric mobility (in short, e-Mobility) is not just a matter of technological advancement, but a major step towards meeting its climate commitments like net zero by 2070 and ensuring a sustainable future for its over 1.4 billion citizens.

The impressive shift towards electric vehicles in India requires strong leadership at both global and national levels to achieve net zero targets ASAP. For this, there’s a strong need for global and national leadership that originates from various sources:

#1. Policymakers: Creating incentives to make EV adoption easier

#2. Corporate Leaders: Investing in innovative, sustainable technologies

#3. International Organizations: Setting ambitious emissions reduction targets. These include:

• UNFCCC – United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
• OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
• ADB – Asian Development Bank
• EIB – European Investment Bank
• EBRD – European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
• IDB – Inter-American Development Bank
• IMO – International Maritime Organization

The success of India’s EV journey depends on well-coordinated visionary leadership across all these sectors. Their combined, will-full efforts will shape the future of sustainable transportation in India.

This well-researched article delves into the multidimensional role of strategic leadership in constructing the sustainable future of electric vehicles in India, focusing precisely on electric buses as a cornerstone of the future of public transportation since millions in India travel by bus daily.

We’ll also explore how global initiatives such as the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI), the Sustainable Bus Tour, the Global EV Outlook, World EV Day, EV30@30 Initiative, and alike align with national priorities, examine innovative solutions emerging from both public and private sectors, and highlight the critical role of companies like zingbus in driving this future-defining transformation.

So, as we navigate through this complex world of sustainability, zingbus invites CEOs, CIOs, CFOs, policymakers, all stakeholders, and EV enthusiasts in India’s sustainable future to consider their role in this decisive shift. The decisions made today will transform the lives of future generations, recreating not just the way we move on Earth, but the very air we breathe and the planet we inhabit.

So, let’s see what we have here in this article:

Maneuvering Climate Challenges: Global Leadership’s Call to Action for a Sustainable Future

The need of the hour to address climate change challenges has never been more apparent and crucial, and global leaders are responding with unprecedented commitment. The United Nations’ SDGs, especially the Goal #13 on Climate Action and the Goal #11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, provide a framework for nations like India to align their development strategies with environmental sustainability.

In this context, India’s transition to electric vehicles, especially in public transportation, emerges as a key pillar. The IEA’s 2024 reports clearly states, EVs have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by over 50% compared to conventional vehicles (that use fossil fuels), even accounting for current electricity generation mix.

For India, where air pollution in most of its tier-1 and tier-2 cities has reached its limits, the shift to electric buses represents not just an environmental risk but a public health issue that needs immediate solutions.

Global leaders, through forums like the COP28 and COP29 climate conferences, have clearly reiterated the need for rapid decarbonization of the transport sector.

The Glasgow Declaration on Zero-Emission Cars and Vans, gracefully signed by 100+ countries and organizations, has already set the zero-emission target by 2040 globally for all new car and van sales, and by 2035 in leading markets like India. While India was not a signatory to this specific declaration, the country has set its own ambitious targets, aiming for 30% of all vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.

Sustainable Strategies: How Global and National Leaders are Driving Environmental Change

India’s transition to electric vehicles requires a multi-pronged approach, combining convincing policy incentives, sustainable infrastructure development, and advanced technological innovation. Global leaders are picking the pace through initiatives like the EV30@30 campaign, which aims to reach 30% sales share for electric vehicles by 2030. The initiative closely aligns with India’s national EV targets and provides a c-suite blueprint for fast-paced adoption.

At the national level, India’s recent leadership has manifested commitment through policies like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) scheme. Now, in its second phase, FAME II has allocated ₹10,000 crore ($1.4 billion) to support rapid EV adoption, with a major portion earmarked for electric buses. This policy framework, coupled with state-level sustainability initiatives, is creating an inclusive environment for the growth of the EV ecosystem in India.

Corporate leadership is equally critical since it makes the strategic vision and operational effectiveness of organizations more resilient. In India, effective corporate leadership fosters innovation, drives sustainable growth, breaks myths surrounding the adoption of electric vehicles in India, and enhances employee engagement.

Companies like Tata Motors, Mahindra Electric, Hero Electric, Ola Electric, Okinawa Atotech Pvt Ltd, Ather Energy, Bajaj Auto Ltd, NTPC Limited, Indian Oil Corporation and international players like BYD, Hyundai, and MG are investing heavily in EV technology and production in India. In the electric bus segment alone, manufacturers like Olectra Greentech and JBM Auto are leading the electric bus market, partnering with state transport corporations to deploy electric buses across major cities in the country.

Honest Leadership: Balancing Global and National Priorities

While the global push towards EVs in India is clear, the national leadership must navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by India’s diverse requirements. Balancing the need for speedy EV adoption with concerns about job displacement in the traditional automotive sector requires nuanced policy-making and strategic foresight.

India’s leadership unequivocally emphasized a phased approach, focusing initially on electrifying public transportation, fleet vehicles, and a notable percentage of commercial vehicles. This strategy not only addresses urban air pollution more effectively but also allows time for the development of a sustainable EV supply chain within the country, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Infrastructure and Policy Support from the Government of India

The support and efforts from GoI are transformative. The framework around EV adoption in the country not only complements connectivity and rapid economic growth but also paves the road for development that is long term and improves quality of life for all the citizens of India. 

Here are the key highlights:

Robust Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure Development: Alongside EV vehicle sales across the country, there is an ongoing expansion of charging infrastructure, which is necessary to manage the increasing number of EVs on the road every year. The report pinpoints that effective EV policy frameworks and investment in electric vehicles charging facilities are essential to facilitate the growth of electric vehicles in India.

Government Initiatives: The Indian government continues to promote electric mobility through various schemes and policies aimed at reducing barriers to entry for consumers and manufacturers alike. This includes financial incentives and regulatory support designed to stimulate both demand and supply within the EV market.

In the recent announcement, the government hinted to promote EV adoption in the country via subsidy, and that prices of electric vehicles in India will be the same as that of petrol and diesel vehicles. It implies that the fastest growing economy is on the correct path.

Global leaders and organizations can support this transition through technology transfer, capacity building, and financial support. The World Bank’s $250 million loan to support India’s EV program is an example of how international cooperation can accelerate the transition while addressing national priorities.

Innovative, Sustainable EV Solutions: Leaders and Change-makers Together Shaping a Greener Tomorrow

Advanced innovation in the EV space is not limited to vehicle technology. Leaders and change-makers are reimagining the entire ecosystem with the help of artificial intelligence (or the AI), from next-gen electric vehicles charging infrastructure to easy battery swapping solutions.

Companies like Sun Mobility are pioneering quick battery swapping technology for electric buses, addressing range anxiety and reducing downtime and ultimately optimizing electric bus efficiency not only for harsh cold climates but for all weathers.

In the space of charging infrastructure, the government’s FAME II scheme has set a target of setting up 2,700 electric vehicles charging stations across the country. Private players like Tata Power and EESL are complementing these efforts, rolling out extensive electric vehicles charging networks in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Chennai, and more.

Innovative EV business models are also emerging. Ride-hailing companies like Ola, Zypp electric, Yulu, Rapido and Uber are committing to electrifying notable portions of their fleets, while startups like BluSmart are operating all-electric taxi services. These initiatives not only reduce emissions but also increase public exposure to EVs, driving broader adoption for electric vehicles in India.

Global EV Outlook 2024: Market Dynamics for Eletric Vehicles In India

The IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2024 shares some of the valuable insights into India’s position in the global EV sphere. This detailed report provides a far-reaching analysis of the current state and constantly evolving trends of sustainable transportation in India, focusing specifically on India’s rapidly evolving EV market dynamics around cars, vans, and electric buses.

While China, Europe, and the United States continue to dominate the market, accounting for 95% of global EV sales, India is emerging as a serious player, particularly in the two-wheeler and bus segments.

Here are the key insights regarding India’s electric vehicle sector as highlighted in the report:

1. Significant Increase: India experienced a remarkable surge in electric vehicle sales, with an increase of over 50% in the first four months of 2024 compared to in the year 2023. This growth reflects the rising adoption of EVs across diverse markets, showing a heavy momentum in the country’s transition to electric mobility.

2. Projected Sales: According to the report, sales in India are expected to continue to grow, with a projected 50% increase for the entire year of 2024 compared to 2023. This growth is expected despite uncertainties surrounding potential subsidies from the forthcoming FAME III scheme, which may impact consumer incentives.

3. Domestic Supply Chains: The outlook for EV sales in India is cushioned by the rapid development of domestic supply chains, which are critical for manufacturing and affordability. The Indian government’s initiatives aimed at enhancing local production capabilities are expected to play a key role in sustaining this growth trajectory.

4. Affordability and EV Model Variety: The introduction of affordable EV models in India, such as those from Tata Motors, which are priced between USD 10,000 and USD 15,000, has contributed significantly to increasing EV market penetration. These EV models accounted for about 20% of total EV sales in India, making electric vehicles in India more accessible to a larger consumer base that previously could not afford EVs.

The Global EV Outlook 2024 underscores India’s emerging potential in the electric vehicle market, driven by strong sales growth, supportive government policies, and constantly evolving domestic supply chains. As India continues to enhance its infrastructure and affordability for EVs through various sustainable means, the country is well-positioned to emerge as a key player in the worldwide transition towards sustainable transportation.

The report also projects that global electric car sales could reach around 17 million in 2024, representing over 20% growth compared to 2023. For India, this global trend translates into increased opportunities for manufacturing electric vehicles in India, both for domestic consumption and exports. The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme of the government for the automotive sector is on its way to zeroing in on EVs, and is all set to capitalize on this growth.

India’s progress deserves special recognition, especially in the electric bus segment. The country has set a target of deploying 50,000 electric buses on its roads by 2030, a goal that aligns with global trends towards sustainable public transportation. The success of pilot projects in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore is paving the way for broader adoption across the country.

From Vision to Impact: zingbus’s Pivotal Role in Sustainability

In the world of India’s sustainable transportation future, an electric vehicle company in India, like the zingbus is playing a crucial role. As a technology-driven intercity mobility platform, zingbus with its electric cabs fleet is uniquely positioned to drive the adoption of electric buses and their benefits in the long-distance travel segment.

By incorporating electric buses into its fleet, zingbus aims to help reduce India’s carbon footprint significantly. This initiative will enhance the sustainability of intercity travel in the country. The company’s data-driven approach to route optimization and capacity utilization can further optimize electric bus efficiency for operations in harsh cold weathers, addressing concerns about range anxiety of electric vehicles in India and the electric vehicles charging infrastructure.

Besides that, the commitment of the zingbus to sustainability aligns with the larger picture of national and global goals to reduce emissions from the transport sector. By offering passengers the option to choose a variety of electric vehicles in India such as electric buses and cabs for their journeys, zingbus is not just providing a service but also raising awareness and driving consumer preference towards sustainable travel choices.

The company’s potential impact extends beyond its own operations. As an emerging leader in the intercity bus travel space, zingbus can influence India’s electric bus ecosystem, encouraging other electric bus operators to adopt electric vehicles in India more gracefully and pushing for the development of durable electric vehicles charging infrastructure along major highways of India.

Summary

The role of global and national leadership in shaping the sustainable future of electric vehicles in India is multifaceted and pivotal. From setting ambitious targets and creating supportive policy frameworks to driving innovation and fostering international cooperation, leaders across sectors can successfully facilitate India’s speedy transition to electric mobility.

Fully electrification of India’s transportation system is complex and challenging. The journey requires a delicate balance between environmental imperatives, economic considerations, and social equity. However, the potential rewards–in terms of reduced emissions, improved air quality and lifestyle, energy security, and economic opportunities–are immense.