ELECTRIFYING CHANGE: The electric vehicle policy and its need
As the world grapples with the pressing need to combat climate change and mitigate air pollution, cities like Delhi are at the forefront of implementing innovative solutions. One such solution gaining significant traction is the electric vehicle (EV) policy. This policy accelerates the adoption of electric vehicle with the government being in driver seat. Delhi's electric vehicle policy seeks to address the city's notorious air pollution problem. With vehicular emissions being a major contributor to poor air quality, the shift towards electric vehicles is a game-changer. By promoting the adoption of EVs, the policy aims to reduce harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and carbon dioxide, thereby significantly improving the air quality in Delhi.
In 2020, Delhi govt. launched the policy of adoption of electric vehicles to curb the vehicular pollution among the city and for this successful implication, it had provided certain incentives to buyers, such as- Rs 30,000 per two – wheelers and auto, and subsidy for electric two- wheelers, Electric cars and SUVs.
But has this change been observable, is it more of a sustainable method or just another new method to deplete our natural resources. One of the most important aspects of Delhi's electric car programme is reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. When domestic renewable energy sources like solar or wind power are used to power electric cars, energy security and independence are improved. Delhi may lessen its exposure to price swings and geopolitical unrest brought on by the importation of fossil fuels by using clean, locally produced electricity to power EVs. EVs are believed to be powered by plug-in hybrid and all-electric cars, both of which may run entirely on electricity generated by natural gas sources like coal, nuclear energy, wind, hydropower, and solar energy.
The Delhi government has so far met 86% of the goals. According to authorities, since the policy's implementation in 2020, sales of EV two-wheelers have increased from 1,165 in 2020 to 34,596 in 2022, while sales of EV three-wheelers have increased from 10,328 in 2020 to 21,623 in 2022. Sales of EV four-wheelers increased from 886 to 5,641 in the same time frame, they noted. According to the EV cell, while EV adoption has been strong in Delhi, sales have been greater in the two and three-wheeler sectors, with private four-wheelers seeing the lowest penetration. This year's EV policy will end in August. According to the strategy, the administration sought to have 100% of the delivery fleet and government vehicle fleet converted to EVs by 2025, as well as 25% of all new cars registered in the city to be electric. Delhi recorded its greatest peak in any state of India in December 2022—17% in sales.
Any policy depends on the support and involvement of the general people to succeed. The emphasis of Delhi's electric car strategy is on educational and awareness-raising activities to enlighten and involve the public. The government hopes to encourage behavioral change and foster a culture of environmentally friendly transportation options by increasing public knowledge of the advantages of EVs. A significant step forward in Delhi's quest for sustainable development is the city's electric car policy. The programme has the ability to revolutionize Delhi's transport system by placing a higher priority on clean air, preventing climate change, securing energy supplies, and fostering economic growth. The city's adoption of electric transportation not only promotes environmental health but also sets the path for a more profitable and environmentally friendly future. Delhi has the potential to lead other cities across the world in sustainable mobility with ongoing effort. Together, let's move towards a more sustainable, electrified future.
- Ayushi Singh
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