Greenest India: No EV Monopoly, let users pick best tech
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Shivaji Sarkar
Contd from previous issue
Import dependence could be heavy and there could be severe environmental concerns over recycling and disposal. If not tackled well, it could be a frying pan to fire situation. Leave it to consumers.
From Business Standard and Mint to The Times of India, PTI and the India Business Law Journal, criticism has been remarkably consistent: Delhi's EV-only policy is well-intentioned but premature, citing inadequate charging infrastruc- ture, weak grid readiness, affordability concerns, exclusion of hybrids, legal challenges and the absence of a technology-neutral transition.
Current military operations still depend overwhel- mingly on liquid fuels, and battery-electric vehicles cannot yet replace conventional vehicles across the full spectrum of military logistics and combat roles.
For many middle-class families, small businesses, delivery workers and auto-rickshaw drivers, the upfront cost of switching to an EV is simply unaffor-dable. An abrupt transition could therefore place a disproportionate burden on those least able to bear it.
Bicycles Decongest, Save Forex
For decongesting major cities, India needs to create multiple safe 10-km bicycle circuits for short-distance travel. It would decongest, save forex and would be environment-friendly at the least cost.
EV import bill would be killing. India spent $134.7 billion on crude imports (2025-26) while current EVs comprise just 4 percent of vehicles ($3.9 billion). However, if EV sales hit 20 percent, battery and material imports could surge to $17.6 billion with additional hidden costs. If it is 100 percent the cost may substantially go up.
Meanwhile, the solar sector drains $7 billion in forex annually, with $3.9 billion going to China alone. India also brings in smaller volumes from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The EV policy could also affect employment. Thousands of workers depend on businesses linked to conventional vehicles, inclu- ding mobile vending shops, repair workshops, spare-parts suppliers, fuel stations and small transport operators. Unless adequate retrai- ning and transition support are provided, many livelihoods could be disrupted.
If coal continues to supply a large share of electricity, the net emissions benefit may be smaller than expected.
Forced Vehicle Suicides to punish businesses with higher costs. Delivery companies, taxi operators and small transport firms may be forced to replace vehicle fleets before the end of their economic life, increasing debt and reducing profitability – second shock after mass scrapping. Consumers, in turn, may face higher transport and delivery costs.
A more balanced approach would be market-driven adoptionsfor a smoother and more sustainable transition than blanket restrictions.
Dumps Engineering Strength
An EV-only policy risks prematurely abandoning India's engineering strength in internal combustion engines (ICE). Modern petrol and hybrid engines are clean, fuel-efficient, affordable, and supported by extensive infrastructure, making them the most practical choice for millions of middle-class families, farmers, and businesses. Instead of regulating ICE out of existence and increasing mobility costs, policymakers should foster competition among all clean technologies—including hybrids, flex-fuels, CNG, hydrogen, and EVs.
Contd from previous issue
Import dependence could be heavy and there could be severe environmental concerns over recycling and disposal. If not tackled well, it could be a frying pan to fire situation. Leave it to consumers.
From Business Standard and Mint to The Times of India, PTI and the India Business Law Journal, criticism has been remarkably consistent: Delhi's EV-only policy is well-intentioned but premature, citing inadequate charging infrastruc- ture, weak grid readiness, affordability concerns, exclusion of hybrids, legal challenges and the absence of a technology-neutral transition.
Current military operations still depend overwhel- mingly on liquid fuels, and battery-electric vehicles cannot yet replace conventional vehicles across the full spectrum of military logistics and combat roles.
For many middle-class families, small businesses, delivery workers and auto-rickshaw drivers, the upfront cost of switching to an EV is simply unaffor-dable. An abrupt transition could therefore place a disproportionate burden on those least able to bear it.
Bicycles Decongest, Save Forex
For decongesting major cities, India needs to create multiple safe 10-km bicycle circuits for short-distance travel. It would decongest, save forex and would be environment-friendly at the least cost.
EV import bill would be killing. India spent $134.7 billion on crude imports (2025-26) while current EVs comprise just 4 percent of vehicles ($3.9 billion). However, if EV sales hit 20 percent, battery and material imports could surge to $17.6 billion with additional hidden costs. If it is 100 percent the cost may substantially go up.
Meanwhile, the solar sector drains $7 billion in forex annually, with $3.9 billion going to China alone. India also brings in smaller volumes from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The EV policy could also affect employment. Thousands of workers depend on businesses linked to conventional vehicles, inclu- ding mobile vending shops, repair workshops, spare-parts suppliers, fuel stations and small transport operators. Unless adequate retrai- ning and transition support are provided, many livelihoods could be disrupted.
If coal continues to supply a large share of electricity, the net emissions benefit may be smaller than expected.
Forced Vehicle Suicides to punish businesses with higher costs. Delivery companies, taxi operators and small transport firms may be forced to replace vehicle fleets before the end of their economic life, increasing debt and reducing profitability – second shock after mass scrapping. Consumers, in turn, may face higher transport and delivery costs.
A more balanced approach would be market-driven adoptionsfor a smoother and more sustainable transition than blanket restrictions.
Dumps Engineering Strength
An EV-only policy risks prematurely abandoning India's engineering strength in internal combustion engines (ICE). Modern petrol and hybrid engines are clean, fuel-efficient, affordable, and supported by extensive infrastructure, making them the most practical choice for millions of middle-class families, farmers, and businesses. Instead of regulating ICE out of existence and increasing mobility costs, policymakers should foster competition among all clean technologies—including hybrids, flex-fuels, CNG, hydrogen, and EVs.