Recent news indicates that NITI Aayog, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), and RMI India have launched the Shoonya Campaign to endorse zero-pollution delivery vehicles. The campaign interfaces with both consumers and the industry to heighten the awareness and adoption of these environmentally friendly vehicles. Formed in 1982, RMI is an independent, non-profit organization.
Key Features of the Shoonya Campaign
A cornerstone of the Shoonya Campaign is the promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in urban environments, aimed at accelerating their acceptance for delivery usage. The campaign concurrently seeks to raise consumer cognizance about the virtues of zero-emission deliveries.
The introduction of the Shoonya Brand, a corporate certification scheme, will acknowledge and encourage industries’ efforts to transition to EVs. Such a move will also enable e-commerce companies to differentiate their services from rivals.
Furthermore, the campaign aims to launch an online platform to monitor its impact through various measurable metrics. These include vehicle kilometers electrified, carbon savings, and other benefits accruing from clean delivery vehicles.
The Need for EVs in Final-Mile Deliveries
The rationale behind the shift towards EVs is rooted in several factors. Firstly, the growing e-commerce market in India, which expanded by an average of 53% annually between 2013 and 2017, has led to a surge in the number of delivery vehicles. This segment is projected to reach $150 billion by 2022.
Secondly, EVs can significantly cut down emissions. Currently, urban freight vehicles contribute to 10% of freight transport-related CO2 emissions in India, a figure set to rise by 114% by 2030. Importantly, EVs have no tailpipe emissions, improving air quality and emitting 15-40% less CO2 than traditional vehicles.
Finally, transitioning to EVs will enhance India’s energy security by reducing oil dependency and promoting renewable energy sources.
Challenges Hindering the Adoption of EVs
Despite the advantages, there are a few obstacles. Technological challenges include the dearth in domestic production of electronics pivotal to the EV industry, for example, batteries and semiconductors. Furthermore, infrastructural issues such as lack of clarity over charging stations, concerns about grid stability, and range anxiety also pose problems.
India does not have reserves of crucial materials like lithium and cobalt needed for EV battery production, leading to dependence on countries like Japan and China. Additionally, the country lacks skilled workers necessary to service EVs, which typically have higher servicing costs.
Government Initiatives to Boost EV Adoption
Various measures have been taken to overcome these challenges. In 2013, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) was launched to promote hybrid and electric vehicles, thus bolstering national fuel security.
The Indian government implemented the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles schemes, mandating EV adoption in some segments with a target of 30% EV penetration by 2030.
The National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage recommends strategies for transformative mobility and phased manufacturing programs for EVs, EV components, and batteries.
Lastly, fiscal incentives such as income tax rebates and customs duty exemptions aim to spur the production and consumption of EVs and related charging infrastructures.