- One of the most amazing inventions of humankind in the present-day modern world must be none other than electric vehicles, keeping in mind the humongous environmental degradation encountered on the back of fossil fuel usage for centuries. The conventional fossil fuel burning led to dangerously high greenhouse gas emissions, which in turn caused the alteration of the weather patterns, leading to erratic occurrences, as is well established. We know the consequences of erratic weather patterns creating unmitigated havoc on the global community, greatly disrupting the economies of countries in more than one way. Thankfully, concerted efforts are underway to address this glaring anomaly in the form of clean alternative energies.
PC: Firstpost
- And EVs are one such invention helping humankind to holistically address the grave consequences of environmental degradation. However, the moot point to ponder over here is whether the subsidies extended by the governments around the world to electric cars have run their course owing to palpable reasons, especially when other critical areas could be strengthened using public monies. It’s time the Indian government allowed the market to work freely. Last year, India brought 1.8L electric cars, 77% over 2024. But in terms of overall car sales, this amounted to just 3.8%. Clearly, 10 years of govt incentives and subsidies haven’t convinced buyers of the advantages of going electric. Two reasons are obvious. What are they? Let’s dwelve.
PC: Kashmir Observer
- Range anxiety + inadequate charging infra, and high prices + limited choice at the lower end. Low sales, by global standards, aren’t allowing the Indian EV ecosystem to mature. Which explains Indian carmakers’ dread of cheap Chinese EVs slipping in via the EU after an FTA. But there’s a counterview. Let EVs of every ilk come in freely and cheaply. Growing EV popularity will automatically spur the growth of charging and servicing infrastructure, which means more jobs. After all, countries that don’t make any cars at all, like Australia, also have well-developed fuelling and charging networks. This infra boost will serve domestic carmakers, too, if they raise their technology game with R&D ala China did.
PC: Deccan Herald
- As such, pushing domestic EV sales with subsidies and mandates is pointless. For instance, what will Telangana’s plan to make schools induct 25-50% EVs in their vehicle fleets lead to? Greater burden on parents. Electric buses cost far more than those running on diesel or gas, and because school buses run for only a couple of hours daily, gains on the air quality front will be minimal. Far better to focus on city bus fleets that run from morning to night. EV subsidies, like Delhi’s Rs.1L benefit for 27,000 electric cars priced up to Rs.25L, are questionable on several counts. Who gains from them? The rich. Who’s hurt by the revenue loss? The Poor. Those crores are better used to ensure potable water and sewage don’t mix. Isn’t it? A rethink of EV subsidies is in order.
