The Ministry of Heavy Industries has issued detailed guidelines for the “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI)”, aiming to position India as a major hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. In this article, we have discussed about the Electric Mobility of India.
SPMEPCI Scheme
(a) Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI)
(b) Launch Date: Announced in 2024
(c) Objective:
(i) Attract global investments in India’s EV sector.
(ii) Promote domestic manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs).
(iii) Align with India’s climate commitments (net-zero by 2070).
(iv) Support job creation and industrial growth.
About Electric Mobility
(i) Electric Mobility: In simple terms, it is the use of electric-powered vehicles (EVs) for transportation or commuting.
(ii) Driving Factor for e-Mobility: The Shift from conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric vehicles is driven by a few factors. They include the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and environmental pollution
Key Components of Electric Mobility
(i) Electric Vehicles (EVs): Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully electric cars powered by rechargeable batteries (e.g., Tesla, Nissan Leaf).
(ii) Battery Technology:
(a) Lithium-Ion Batteries: Common in EVs due to their high energy density and durability.
(b) Solid-State Batteries (Future tech): Promises better performance and safer storage.
(c) Battery Recycling & Disposal: Important to address environmental concerns related to battery waste.
(iii) Charging infrastructure:
(a) Home Charging Stations: Typically slower (AC charging).
(b) Public Charging Networks: Fast chargers (DC charging) located at strategic points for long trips.
(c) Wireless Charging: An emerging technology enabling cars to charge wirelessly while parked.
Significance of Electric Mobility in India
(i) Reducing Air Pollution: According to the ‘World Air Quality Report 2023’, India was declared the third-most polluted country. Bangladesh and Pakistan are first and second.
(ii) Energy Security: India’s import dependence soared to 87.7% in 2023-24, up from 87.4%. It was a report of the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).
(iii) Combating Climate Change: India is committed to reducing its carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement. The transport sector is among the largest sources of GHG emissions.
(iv) Boosting Economic Growth: This sector is building a resilient ecosystem for manufacturing, battery production, and EV components. As it will drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
(v) Strengthening Domestic Manufacturing: The government’s push for local manufacturing of EVs and their components, especially under the “Make in India” initiative, can strengthen India’s position as a global manufacturing hub.
Challenges Associated with it
(i) High Upfront Cost of EVs: The cost of EVs, particularly electric cars, remains higher than conventional vehicles. This is majorly because of expensive battery technology.
(ii) Inadequate Charging Infrastructure: India has meagre public charging stations. So, it hampers long-distance travel and makes EV ownership less convenient.
(iii) Battery Technology: India imports most of its EV batteries and the raw materials (like lithium, cobalt). It compels the country to depend on foreign suppliers and vulnerable to price volatility in international markets.
(iv) Energy Mix: A large portion of India’s electricity is still generated from coal, which reduces the environmental benefits of EVs.
(v) Lack of Recycling Infrastructure: There is a lack of infrastructure and policies for battery recycling in India. Disposing of and recycling used lithium-ion batteries safely and sustainably is a challenge.
(vi) Environmental Concerns: The ecological impact of mining elements for batteries and the improper disposal of old batteries is detrimental.
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Way Forward
(i) Enhancing Infrastructure Development: Accelerate the rollout of public and private charging stations, including fast chargers and wireless charging facilities, to reduce range anxiety and support long-distance travel.
(ii) Boost Battery Manufacturing: Expand domestic manufacturing of advanced chemistry cells (ACCs) and EV components to reduce import dependency and lower costs, as supported by the PLI schemes.
(iii) Ensure Policy Consistency: Maintain a consistent and supportive policy environment for EV adoption, including clear guidelines on subsidies, incentives, and infrastructure development.
(iv) Transitioning to Renewable Energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is essential to fully realise the environmental advantages of electric vehicles (EVs).
(v) Government initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), and PM-KUSUM aim to strengthen India’s renewable energy production capacity.
Conclusion
The nudge for electric mobility in India is very important for sustainability, reducing pollution, and enhancing energy security, demanding continued investment, policy support, and infrastructure development.