30th Oct 2018 10:10:PM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

In order to reduce rising oil imports and greenhouse gas emissions, the Narendra  Modi government is considering a 30 per cent penetration of electric vehicles (EVs) across two-wheelers and four-wheelers throughout the country by 2030. It has been providing substantial support in this endeavour. However, catapulting this transition from fossil fuel-based towards electric-based transport systems will also require altering the mobility-related consumer behaviour. In order to overcome the inertia and motivate consumers to opt for electric vehicles, both the Union and state governments are considering numerous options to prepare the industry for this mass transition towards EVs. However, consumers’ willingness to purchase still remains a rather grey area. The move towards the electric mobility space cannot be successful unless consumers are convinced about the benefits of a sustainable mobility transition.

In March 2015, the government had launched the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme with the objective of promoting the purchase and usage of electric vehicles in the country. The policy was extended till the end of September 2018. Under this scheme, the government has given financial support for electric or hybrid vehicles worth Rs 256.93 crore. Further, a grant of Rs 280 crore has been sanctioned for nearly 500 electric buses in nine major cities in the country. The government is currently scaling up its efforts by revising the FAME scheme and coming up with a new version to push the promotion of EVs. FAME-II will have a much bigger corpus of Rs 9,300 crore for five years.

The government is also considering liberalising import norms by removing the restrictions on price and engine capacities, as well as the mandatory local testing conditions to encourage more global players. Recently, the government slashed the GST charges for electric batteries. Fringe benefits such as green number plates, and a deduction in toll and parking charges are being explored and expected to be implemented soon. The  biggest challenge for the mass adoption of EVs isn’t only the lack of adequate charging infrastructure, range anxiety (mileage between each charge) and the higher initial cost compared to fossil fuel variants. It is also the lack of public awareness concerning the importance of shifting to an eco-friendly transportation model and its associated benefits.

 


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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