Recent data paints a grim picture - Hubli in Karnataka has emerged as India’s most polluted city, with smaller towns like Panaji (Goa), Bahraich (UP), Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), Gorakhpur (UP), Belgaum (Karnataka), and Kharagpur (West Bengal), also ranking among the top 10. Worryingly, India's current PM2.5 concentration is 2.5 times above the recommended limits set by the WHO. Presently, India holds the grim distinction of being the third most polluted country globally, with 42 out of the 50 most polluted cities in the world located within its borders.
On its part, the Delhi government has announced a 21-point ‘Winter Action Plan’, which includes urging residents to work from home to reduce traffic, deploying drones to monitor air pollution sources, creating artificial rain, and implementing the oft-criticised Odd Even Scheme to limit private car usage during peak pollution months. However, history shows that such measures are unlikely to deliver meaningful improvements in air quality.
Clearly, it’s time for a proactive stance on transport emissions and here India can take a cue from China’s aggressive stance. China has made significant strides in reducing vehicular pollution by replacing replacing petrol vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs). Meanwhile, Norway has made headlines as the first country where EV sales have surpassed those of ICE vehicles. The answer is crystal clear – only a swift transition to EVs can help India combat the air pollution crisis.
Vehicular emissions account for 42% of PM 2.5 pollution
Dr. Gufran Beig, Chair Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, and the developer of India's first air quality forecasting system "SAFAR" (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research), emphasises the urgency of the situation. Vehicular emissions account for about 42% of PM 2.5 pollution in Delhi NCR, with transport sector’s contribution surging by significant 40% over the last decade. This is fuelled by the rapid growth in the number of vehicles on the roads, alongside the increasing age of vehicles, which correlates with higher emissions.
Rapid electrification of our vehicle fleet presents a viable solution. Electric vehicles, powered by batteries rather than fossil fuels, promise a dramatic reduction in air pollution. Transitioning to EVs not only conserves precious foreign exchange by minimising crude oil imports but also removes tailpipe emissions, leading to cleaner air.
However, for this transition to gain momentum, a clear commitment to incentivizing EV adoption through sustained financial support is crucial. In Delhi, the policy offering financial incentives for EV purchases lapsed in December 2023 and was supposed to be extended in January. Bureaucratic delays have hindered this process, leaving potential EV customers without the anticipated financial support. This issue isn't isolated to Delhi; Andhra Pradesh faces similar challenges, where subsidies are not reaching car buyers as intended. Such delays undermine the shift to electric mobility when immediate support is needed to encourage consumers to make the switch.
Within the transport sector, commercial vehicles are the biggest polluting source. “A swift transition to electric commercial vehicles, both light and heavy duty, could drastically reduce PM 2.5 in Delhi NCT and its surroundings”, asserts Prof. Baig. He welcomes the government’s latest initiative to subsidise electric trucks, marking a significant step forward. Under thePM E-Drive scheme, 150 electric trucks are eligible for subsidies until March 2025, with an additional 350 set for FY26, backed by a total subsidy allocation of Rs 500 crore.
Zero-emission possible only from EVs and not Hybrids
While experts support moving away from ICE vehicles, some question the role of hybrids in pollution reduction. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of Niti Aayog and G20 Sherpa, advocates for a decisive shift to EVs. “India needs to technologically leapfrog and not get stuck in intermediate technologies. We must be clear of our goal - replacement of fossil fuel by renewable energy electricity and its use for mobility. State governments must ensure predictability and consistency of policies to fully support the EV revolution. We must aim to be the global champion of EV vehicles which are Made in India,” he tweeted.
Chandra Bhushan, a leading policy expert and Founder-CEO of iFOREST (International Forum for Environment, Sustainability, and Technology), highlights the immediate benefits of switching to EVs. “Of course, an electric vehicle is better to combat air pollution than a hybrid vehicle. Hybrids continue to use petrol/diesel and this means they necessarily have tailpipe emissions.”
In conclusion, as India grapples with its air pollution crisis, the path forward is clear: a robust commitment to electric vehicles is not just an option; it is a necessity. The time has come for India to embrace the EV revolution wholeheartedly, ensuring cleaner air for all and a healthier future.
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