About The Electric Vehicles

Context:

A crucial element of the world’s transition to becoming net-zero is electric vehicles (EVs). However, hybrid electric vehicles (EVs) present a big opportunity for economically developing countries to begin the transition instead of waiting.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Electric Vehicles (EVs)
2. Types of EVs
3. EV Sales in India
4. Major Schemes/Initiatives for Promoting EVs in India

Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion.
• It can be powered by self-contained batteries, solar panels, or an electric generator.

Origin and Increasing Scope in India:

• The push for EVs is driven by global climate agendas, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming.
• The global adoption of EVs has been rapidly increasing.
• In 2020, around 2.1 million EVs were sold worldwide, and the global EV fleet reached 8.0 million.
• Falling battery costs and improved performance efficiency are contributing to the growing demand for EVs.

Types of EVs:

• Hybrid EVs (HEVs): These vehicles combine a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric propulsion system, resulting in lower fuel usage. Example: Toyota Hyryder in India.
• Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs have a hybrid drivetrain that uses both an ICE and electric power. They can be charged by plugging into a power source. Example: Chevrolet Volt.
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): BEVs run solely on electric power and do not have an ICE or fuel tank. They are powered by rechargeable batteries. Example: Tata Nexon in India, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model S.
• Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCVs): FCVs use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, with water being the only byproduct. Example: Toyota Mirai and Honda Clarity.

EV Sales in India:

• Over the past three years, there has been a remarkable growth of over 2,218% in EV sales in India.
• Currently, EVs make up around 5% of total vehicle sales in the country.
• In the 2022-23 fiscal year, cumulative sales of EVs in India exceeded 1 million units for the first time.
• Two-wheelers account for more than 60% of all EV sales in India.
• The government has set ambitious targets for EV sales by 2030, aiming for 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial vehicles, and 80% of two and three-wheelers to be electric.
• The promotion of e-mobility in India aligns with the objectives of reducing emissions and decreasing reliance on costly fuel imports.

Major Schemes/Initiatives for Promoting EVs in India:

• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMPP) 2020: Launched in 2013 with targets for electric vehicle adoption and reduction of oil imports and CO2 emissions.
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India (FAME India) scheme: Launched in 2015 to promote the manufacturing and adoption of electric and hybrid vehicle technology through subsidies.
• Production-linked incentive (PLI) Scheme – National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: Aims to boost the domestic manufacturing of advanced chemistry cell batteries for electric vehicles.
• Go Electric Campaign: Launched to raise awareness about the benefits of electric mobility and inform potential EV owners about government incentives.

Source: The Hindu