- India paves the way for clean air and cost savings
India is at a critical juncture in its struggle against the growing problem of air quality. Air pollution kills 464 children under the age of 5 every day. It is a silent killer, taking more lives than tobacco and diabetes, threatening to derail India's aspirations to become a developed economy by 2047. Such a directive was reflected in the launch of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The main reason for this crisis is the emissions generated by vehicles. As the world moves towards efficient mobility, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as an important solution. Countries like Norway, China, Germany have adopted EVs and our neighbor Nepal has also made significant progress. In India too, EVs are being rapidly adopted by value conscious buyers.
The horizon of Gujarat is changing rapidly. EV charging stations are now commonplace, thanks to high demand and strong support from the government. In 2023, EV sales in the state grew by 28 percent over the previous year, with 88,619 vehicles sold, a 714 percent increase from 2021.
The Gujarat State Electric Vehicle Policy of 2021 forms the foundation for this change, offering incentives such as a five-year exemption from road tax and registration fees. Public charging infrastructure has increased from 200 stations in April 2023 to 600 stations, making recharging more accessible to EV owners even in tier-2 cities and major highways. Major industry players Adani Group and Tata Power are playing an important role in the ecosystem.
Various surveys globally have revealed that this rapid change will have a positive environmental impact, reduce ownership costs, make the driving experience more enjoyable and provide the comfort of peaceful rides. Feedback from EV owners in Gujarat emphasizes these benefits. Nisarg Thakur said that driving an EV is a peaceful and comfortable experience. Makes us feel like we are contributing to clean air. Rameshbhai Thakor, a garment trader in Rajkot, said that by taking advantage of the charging facility at home, there has been a significant saving in fuel costs.
33 percent of people using solar power for charging Also, about 33 percent of EV owners in Gujarat are using solar energy for charging at home, which ensures that their energy consumption is environmentally friendly. Gujarat currently has nearly two-thirds of all residential rooftop solar capacity in India. Companies like Tata Power and Reliance Jio BP are contributing to the charging infrastructure, supporting EVs as a smart choice for consumers.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
