In a significant move towards a greener future, the Indian government is taking strides in e-mobility. The plan is to construct 6,000 KM of electric vehicle (EV)-ready highways along the Golden Quadrilateral over the next seven years. This initiative aims to reduce fuel consumption and vehicular emissions by promoting the electrification of intercity public transport.
Vision 2030: PM Public Transport Sewa:
The ambitious project is part of the proposed Vision 2030: PM Public Transport Sewa. By developing e-highways on the Golden Quadrilateral, the government aims to boost the adoption of e-mobility, with a special focus on deploying e-buses.
Stimulating Growth and Charging Infrastructure:
The development of e-highways is not just about roads; it’s about stimulating the growth of charging infrastructure. This move is expected to encourage the use of electric cars for daily commuting, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Replacing Diesel Buses with Electric Ones:
A crucial aspect of this plan is the government’s goal to replace 800,000 diesel buses with electric ones by 2030. This includes deploying 2,00,000 electric buses for state transport undertakings (STUs), 5,50,000 for private operators, and 50,000 for schools and employee transportation. This initiative aligns with the broader Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME) incentive program.
Expanding Charging Infrastructure:
The electrification of highways will play a pivotal role in expanding charging infrastructure. This, in turn, encourages more people to adopt electric cars for everyday travel, contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation system.
National Highway for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) Trial:
In September 2022, the National Highway for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) initiated a technical trial run for electric vehicles on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway. The trial aims to assess the economic feasibility of electric vehicle infrastructure along the 270 km stretch between Delhi and Jaipur.
Policy Initiatives:
While these strides are promising, there is still work to be done. A notification dated December 21, 2022, highlighted the absence of a specific policy for EV swapping stations on the Golden Quadrilateral Highway. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already awarded 144 electric charging facilities as part of the Wayside Amenities (WSAs).
Rising Electric Vehicle Sales:
The push towards electric mobility is evident in the rising sales of electric vehicles in India. According to data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA), electric vehicle sales surged by 49.25% year-on-year to 15,29,947 units in 2023. This growth reflects the increasing popularity of EVs in the country.
India’s journey towards a sustainable and electric future is gaining momentum. With the government’s ambitious plan to build EV-ready highways, coupled with the rise of electric vehicle sales, the country is on track to become a major player in the global shift towards green and renewable transportation. As we look ahead, these initiatives pave the way for a cleaner and more environmentally conscious tomorrow.
