Delhi could be on the cusp of a transformation in its transport sector as a 15 member expert committee constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management has recommended a “phased transition” from petrol and diesel powered vehicles to zero-tailpipe emission vehicles across Delhi-NCR. The recommendation is in response to the growing concern over pollution in the National Capital which is exacerbated by emissions from vehicles.
The expert panel has proposed measures to decrease reliance on conventional internal combustion engine cars in favour of electric cars. One of the proposed measures was to potentially ban new petrol and diesel car registrations with electric cars being promoted as an alternative for the future. However, these are recommendations from the expert committee and thus not an immediate ban from authorities.
The proposal could have major implications for the automobile industry in India if the government were to enact a policy restricting new petrol and diesel registrations over a period of time. Delhi-NCR is one of the largest automotive markets in India with millions of private, commercial, taxi and two-wheeler vehicles in use across the region. Such a policy encouraging a shift to electric could affect car-buying choices and influence the development of the local charging infrastructure.
The goal of the recommendation is to address Delhi’s perennial challenge with air pollution. The National Capital regularly sees periods of poor air quality, particularly during the winter when a combination of emissions, weather, dust and other factors can combine to increase the amount of harmful gases in the air. Road transport contributes significantly to the emissions with conventional petrol and diesel vehicles producing tailpipe emissions.
Electric vehicles are a potential solution as battery-powered cars do not emit tailpipe gases. Shifting to EVs could help reduce roadside pollution and thus have beneficial implications for urban smog. However, a shift to EVs would need to be combined with measures to reduce emissions at other sources for Delhi’s pollution is the result of a confluence of factors. Reducing emissions from transport would have a positive impact but not eliminate the problem.
The switch to EVs would represent a major shift in the approach to vehicle sales and use in the National Capital Region for the automobile manufacturers. Already, the automobile manufacturers have seen a shift to EVs with the introduction of various electric SUVs, hatchbacks and other vehicles. A policy encouraging a switch to EVs could encourage manufacturers to invest more into local EV production and R&D on batteries and other technologies.
Indian automobile manufacturers, such as Tata Motors, Mahindra, MG Motor India and others, already offer electric passenger vehicles in India, with more set to enter the market in the future. In the event that petrol and diesel registration restrictions are enacted, EVs would be critical to maintaining a presence in Delhi-NCR. At the same time, manufacturers would need to ensure electric vehicles are available in all price segments so as to appeal to a broad base of customers.
Charging infrastructure is another major factor in determining if a policy like this can be implemented. While public charging networks are increasing, convenient access to chargers is a deciding factor for many apartment dwellers, commercial drivers and inter-city commuters who regularly rely on vehicles for travel. If there were to be a substantial transition to EVs, then a significant amount of new public fast chargers, residential charging points and convenient charging points at workplaces, shopping malls and highways would be required to support the increased number of electric vehicles.
Financial considerations would also need to be taken into account as switching to EVs could offer benefits to some car owners over traditional vehicles in terms of lower energy and maintenance costs. However, price differences, ease of access to charging points and application to diverse needs would need to be taken into account in a phased transition. The switch to EVs would need to be gradual to take into account the diverse needs of car owners and businesses who might not have the capacity to replace their fleet of petrol or diesel vehicles immediately.
There are also questions related to implementation across the National Capital Region as the suggestion affects multiple jurisdictions. Coordinating between the government of Delhi, surrounding states and other relevant authorities would be a necessary step in implementing new restrictions. Additionally, policymakers would need to establish a timeline for implementing these restrictions and the categories of vehicles which would be affected.
For now, the expert committee’s recommendation represents a potential policy shift in Delhi, moving away from petrol and diesel powered vehicles towards electric mobility. How the authorities react to this recommendation and whether a formal roadmap for transitioning to zero-tailpipe emission mobility is developed will be critical in determining if such a transition can happen.
If implemented, such a policy could redefine the passenger vehicle market in Delhi-NCR and play a major role in India’s transition to electric mobility. However, the transition will need to consider charging infrastructure, local financial considerations and the availability of practical alternatives before it can be successfully implemented. The recommendation has brought the issue of electric mobility in Delhi into the limelight and highlighted its potential role in Delhi’s quest to combat smog.