The concerning impact of climate change associated with global warming, heating up of the atmosphere, intense deforestation, and massive carbon emissions is nothing new to mankind. With every passing year, global carbon emissions are rising tremendously, which is having a cascading effect on our planet. The specific issue of carbon emissions is significant compared to the other factors involved in the above-mentioned scenario, predominantly because of its direct link with the global greenhouse effect.
Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas in our atmosphere, which helps keep the planet warm to prevent the freezing of the global surface. However, by adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, there are unprecedented repercussions such as the rising temperature of the Earth's atmosphere beyond controllable levels. Observations by the NOAA Global Monitoring lab in 2021 revealed that carbon dioxide was the dominant cause behind two-thirds of the total heating influence of human-induced greenhouse gases. Excessive carbon emissions also affect the oceans due to acidification, increasing the pH from 8.21 to 8.10, rendering the oceans inhabitable for certain marine species.
How Transportation Aids Carbon Emissions
One of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions today is the transportation sector. According to the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks 1990–2021 report, transportation accounted for the largest portion (29%) of total U.S. GHG emissions in 2021. Cars, trucks, commercial aircraft, and railroads, among other sources, all contribute to transportation end-use sector emissions. This is a global phenomenon, with almost all developed and developing countries contributing to global carbon emissions. The major component causing this emission is the combustion of fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel, which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
How Electric Vehicles Can Potentially Help the Environment
The benefits of electric cars over other motor vehicles stem from their method of operation. Electric vehicles (EVs) reduce emissions due to the absence of fossil fuels, improve air quality, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and even cut down on noise pollution. An average electric vehicle can save approximately 1.5 million grams of CO2, equivalent to four return flights from London to Barcelona.
However, the production of electric vehicles requires significant energy, primarily due to lithium-ion battery production. Persistent research and development into more sustainable production methods, such as battery swapping, re-usage of old batteries, and recycling vehicle components, could reduce potential emissions in the future. Major car manufacturers like AUDI, BMW, and HYUNDAI are prioritizing electric vehicle production, and global powers are providing benefits and tax concessions to encourage both companies and consumers to adopt electric vehicles.
EV Market in India: Current Position and Government Schemes
The electric vehicle market in India was estimated to be around 7,025.56 million in 2021 and is expected to grow to approximately 30,414 million by 2027, with a CAGR of 28.93% in terms of revenue. The Indian government supports electric vehicles through favorable laws prioritizing their usage and production. Both central and state governments are implementing measures to promote the mass usage of electric vehicles, especially in government sectors.
Notable Instances of Adoption of EVs by States
Major Policy Initiatives
Viable Measures to Boost the EV Industry in India
To generate interest in electric vehicles, the government has incorporated various measures such as reducing the GST on EVs and charging stations, providing green license plates, and offering subsidies and incentives to buyers and manufacturers. These measures aim to lower the costs and encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
Constraints and Solutions
Conclusion
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