11 December 2024

Demystifying the Climate Benefit of EV Transition in India

Shyamasis Das

Executive Summary

Battery-driven electric vehicles (EVs) hold promise for decarbonising India’s rapidly growing road trans­port sector. However, achieving significant emission reductions through widespread EV uptake is not a given. It hinges on the energy performance of EVs and cross-sector linkages, especially to the power sector. This paper examines the complexities of the climate impact of the transition to electric drivetrains based on a data-driven analysis that best reflects the real-world use of EVs. It offers actionable insights that call for interventions spanning policy to imple­mentation levels to maximise the climate benefits of India’s EV revolution.

1. The Allure of Electric Mobility and the Imperative for a Reality Check

India’s economic progress is intricately linked to the expansion of its road transport network. This sector, while vital, is a significant contributor to the nation’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and deteriorating air quality. EVs, heralded globally as a cornerstone of green transportation, offer a compelling solution to mitigate these environmental challenges. However, in a country where fossil fuels still dominate electricity generation, transitioning from petroleum to elec­trons in powering the vehicles does not automatically result in substantial emission reductions.

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