Recently, India witnessed a significant breakthrough in the field of renewable energy with the launch of the world’s most advanced technology, Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Toyota Mirai. The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways facilitated the introduction of this pioneering technology, marking its first-ever occurrence in India.
Significance of the Achievement
This project endeavors to foster a Green Hydrogen based ecosystem within the country by educating people about the unique uses of Green Hydrogen and FCEV technology. A crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt Ltd and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) to carry out a pilot project. The project aims to assess the vehicle’s performance on Indian terrains and under the country’s weather conditions.
Potential of Green Hydrogen towards Energy Self-reliance
Green Hydrogen can significantly contribute to environmental protection by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It holds the promise of making India ‘Energy Self-reliant’ by 2047. The fuel is completely environment-friendly, with water being its only by-product. Hence, adopting technologies that can effectively harness the potential of Green Hydrogen will play an instrumental role in securing a clean and affordable energy future for India.
The Current Landscape of Electric Vehicles in India
The global electric mobility revolution, driven by the climate agenda established under the Paris Agreement, has stimulated a rapid growth in the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs). However, India is still in the early stages of this transformation, with EVs accounting for less than 3% of all vehicles sold in the country. Despite recording the highest ever monthly sale of over 50,000 EV registrations in December 2021, the overall sales still lag behind.
Challenges in the Adoption of Electric Vehicles
India’s journey towards electric mobility encounters several challenges. The scarcity of appropriate charging stations discourages consumers from opting for EVs. Policy uncertainties related to EV production can be a deterrent for investment in the industry. The country also grapples with technological deficiencies and skilled labour shortages in the production of critical electronics like batteries and semiconductors. Moreover, the absence of domestic reserves of lithium and cobalt, which are essential for battery production, poses further hurdles in becoming self-reliant in the battery manufacturing sector.
Supportive Initiatives for EV Penetration
India has initiated schemes like the remodelled Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC). These initiatives support suppliers and manufacturers of electric vehicles. The country has also issued guidelines that outline the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders for the quick deployment of public EV charging infrastructure. As a part of the global EV30@30 campaign, India is striving for at least 30% of new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Steps Towards a Sustainable Future
Achieving a substantial penetration of EVs in the Indian market requires significant efforts. Both strategic and economic incentives are needed to encourage the development of indigenous technologies. There is an urgent need for sensitizing and educating people to transform consumer behavior favorably towards EVs. Moreover, subsidizing the manufacture of an electric supply chain could substantially boost EV development in India.
