This story is from August 8, 2020

Delhi: Cheaper e-vehicles the key, say experts

The success of Delhi’s new electric vehicle policy, which was termed as “progressive” when its draft was released last year, will be determined on its implementation, particularly in setting up a dense network of charging stations and adequate charging points, experts believe.
Delhi: Cheaper e-vehicles the key, say experts
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NEW DELHI: The success of Delhi’s new electric vehicle policy, which was termed as “progressive” when its draft was released last year, will be determined on its implementation, particularly in setting up a dense network of charging stations and adequate charging points, experts believe.
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They added that bringing down the cost of electric vehicles would also be a key factor and a car costing Rs 15-16 lakh won’t be viable even with subsidy unless considerable awareness was created about its benefits.

Amit Bhatt, executive director at WRI India, said while the policy was progressive and had ambitious targets, its true success lay in its implementation. “The staffing and functioning of the proposed electric vehicle board and an EV cell within the transport department will be key to how this policy works out,” he added.
Aarti Khosla, director at Climate Trends, said a survey of around 300 Delhiites during the lockdown period showed that over 50% were willing to use electric transport if it was affordable and reliable.
“The government’s timely decision will allow clean mobility and also rein in air pollution in the future. To make it successful, enough charging points will be needed to make the user comfortable in switching to an electric vehicle. Auto manufacturers will also have to look at reducing the cost of four-wheelers over time,” added Khosla.

Anumita Roy Chowdhury, executive director (research and advocacy) at Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said it was commendable that despite the economic slowdown, the policy notification provided the legal mandate for 25% electrification of new vehicles by 2024.
“With clear milestones and well-defined targets, Delhi can make the policy a success. The notification has come at the right time, considering the devastating impact the lockdown has had on this sector,” she added.
CSE’s analysis of the VAHAN database showed that the registration of electric vehicles dropped by 93.4% between March and April 2020. The sector, however, recovered to some extent by registering a seven-fold increase between April and July, although the numbers were still less than about 50% of the March registration level.
Harsimran Kaur, research analyst at Council on Energy, Environment and Water, said for electric buses the issue of land acquisition for depots would need to be sorted out. “While the plan to have 50% e-buses by 2022 is laudable, policymakers should clarify how this issue is going to be addressed. It’s also not clear if incentives are being extended to private stage carriers, which is critical,” she added.
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