Research Paper: Adoption of Electric Vehicles in India
Abstract:
Electric vehicles are very well acknowledged worldwide as an effective mean of
sustainable transportation solution which can mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions and decrease reliance on fossil fuels for better economic growth. In
the case of India, the adoption of electric vehicles gained a rapid momentum
basis favorable government policies and increased consumer awareness.
However, there are also numerous hindrances in the way-high cost,
infrastructure scarcity, consumer trust shortage, etc. This paper tries to explore
the socio-technical, economic and environmental aspects influencing the
adoption of electric vehicles in India, analyses the various policies announced
by the government of India such as FAME I and II, and provides
recommendations on how to overcome the key barriers.
1. Introduction
India is extremely in need of a transition towards a more greener modes of
transport for the fight of increasing GHG Emission and its path for net-zero
carbon target. The Indian government has set its aim to 30% adoption of EVs by
2030 that is being driven by National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
and Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles (FAME)
policies. In spite of such policies the electric vehicle penetration still remains at
such a low level. Financial, infrastructural, and behavioral challenges are some
of the key drivers for this.
2. Keywords
Electric Vehicles (EVs)
Sustainable Consumption
Charging Infrastructure
Battery Management
EV-Grid Integration
FAME Policies
GHG Emissions
3. Literature Review
Significant studies have well understood the adoption of EVs in India and while
finding several barriers and enablers for it as well:
1. Technical Barriers: A short battery range, long hours to charge batteries, and
no domestic battery manufacturing.
2. Economic Barriers: High costs of upfront payments, few financial incentives,
and no or unaffordable options of electric vehicles.
3. Behavioral Factors: Low consumer trust, unawareness, and resistance
towards new technology.
4. Policy Analysis: FAME II has installed 1742 charging stations but remains
short of the demand.
4. Research Questions
1. What socio-technical factors drive electric vehicle adoption in India? .
2. How can existing EV policies be further improved to address the barriers
hindering their uptake? .
3. What is the role of public-private collaboration in infrastructural
development?
5. Methodology
This study utilizes secondary sources of data, including government reports,
academic research, and market surveys, in determining the current EV
landscape in India. Data is assessed relative to important gaps with actionable
solutions.
6. Findings and Discussion
6.1 Growth Trends
Over the last three years, Electric Vehicles sales in India have increased by a
factor of three. BEVs are in the majority, but the penetration has yet to be felt
across all of India, and is majorly concentrated in urban cities only.
6.2 Policy Impact -
FAME Policies : FAME I was more focused on hybrid vehicle subsidies,
whereas under FAME II, ₹500 crore for charging infrastructure development.
Limitations : Policies have not been able to envision and answer the rural
electrification and affordable EV manufacturing 6.3 Charging Infrastructure
Charging infrastructure in India is available only in 1,742 charging stations,
which is highly concentrated in urban areas and such advanced grid-integrated
charging systems and battery-swapping stations are needed.
6.4 Battery Technology
The cost is raised due to the use of imported lithium-ion batteries. Local
manufacturing hubs and the growth of solid-state batteries will be very crucial
to move up the value chain going forward.
6.5 Consumer Perception
There is near-negligible awareness of government subsidies and few believe in
the performance of EVs.
The Adaptation of EVs in India from 2015 Graph:
Global EV Adoption Rates by Country Graph
7. Global Success Stories in EV Penetration
1. Norway :
- Tax incentives eliminating purchase taxes for EVs.
- A robust charging network with over 18,000 chargers per million people.
- Nearly 80% of vehicles sold in 2022 were electric.
2. China :
- Largest EV market, accounting for over 40% of global EV sales in 2023.
- Massive subsidies, local manufacturing incentives, and city-based restrictions
on traditional fuel vehicles.
- Investment in battery technologies, leading to cost reductions.
3. USA :
- Tax credits for EV buyers under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Private sector partnerships for charging stations, with Tesla’s Supercharger
network playing a significant role.
- Focus on rural charging infrastructure and commercial fleet electrification.
3. Indian Efforts and Gaps
3.1 Policies
- Achievements :
- FAME I and II introduced subsidies and allocated ₹500 crores for charging
infrastructure.
- Misses :
- Limited rural focus and lack of affordability incentives compared to global
leaders.
3.2 Infrastructure
- India :
- 1,742 charging stations, mostly urban.
- Limited adoption of battery-swapping models.
- Global Benchmark :
- Norway’s extensive network and China's large-scale investments in chargers
along highways.
3.3 Consumer Awareness
- India :
- Low awareness of subsidies and EV benefits.
- Limited marketing campaigns.
- Global Benchmark :
- China's aggressive campaigns and Norway's EV culture building.
3.4 Technology
- India :
- Dependence on imported lithium-ion batteries.
- Lack of local manufacturing and R&D in solid-state batteries.
- Global Benchmark :
- Countries investing heavily in next-generation battery technologies and
energy-efficient systems.
8.Recommendations
1. Policy Enhancements:
Subsidies should cover rural areas and low-income consumers.
Domestic battery production should be promoted by tax benefits.
2. Infrastructure Development:
- Supercharging stations along highways and villages.
Invite the battery-swapping models to reduce the waiting time.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns :
- Widespread education campaigns regarding the economic and environmental
benefits of EVs.
Government Incentives to the buyers of EVs.
4. Research and Development :
- Investment in Advanced Battery technologies and Solution of grid integration
specific to EVs.
Conclusion
EVs will pose a potential platform for Indian growth to be both inclusive and
sustainable. But unless coordination between the government, private sector,
and academia is prudently undertaken toward targeted policies, infrastructure
development, and public awareness, the adoption barriers cannot be addressed.
References
1. [Global EV Outlook 2023 - International Energy Agency](https://www.iea.org)
2. [Norwegian EV Policy Insights](https://www.norway.no)
3. [FAME II Policy Document - Government of India](https://www.policy.gov.in)
4. [China’s NEV Progress](https://www.chinaauto.org)
Harshit singh
TYBBA(IB)
31
