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AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ON SOCIETAL SHIFT TOWARDS ELECTRONIC VEHICLES IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACTS FROM AN INDIAN LEGAL PERSPECTIVE.
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AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ON SOCIETAL
SHIFT TOWARDS ELECTRONIC VEHICLES IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACTS FROM AN INDIAN LEGAL
PERSPECTIVE.
AUTHORED BY - GNANAVEL L
ABSTRACT:
India is a developing nation with a
vast marketplace. The economy is quickly expanding as a result of the rapidly
building infrastructure. The automobile industry has evolved due to the
invention of new technology. India's demand for affordable, less-polluting electric vehicles is
expanding day by day. India is converting to electric automobiles. However,
the route to EV adoption's advancement does not appear to be easy, and it may
require effort from the public and the government. This paper analyses on the
societal shift towards modern electronic vehicles and also the impact caused.
There is a need to develop an alternative energy source to power the vehicle
due to the current degradation of fossil resources and their increase in price.
As a response to India's industry and environment, the automotive industry is
moving towards electric automobiles. Despite governments' implementation of EV regulations, EV sales are now
at a low level. This paper will examine the accessibility of electric
vehicles in the nation and examine their compatibility with local conditions. The study will also give an outline
of India's EV market divisions. This paper also discusses the economic, technical, social,
and environmental variables influencing the electric car market in India.
Keywords: Electric
Vehicles, Society, Renewable, Carbon emissions, Adoption.
1. INTRODUCTION:
India has the third-largest number of
road connections worldwide. For Indians, taking the road is the preferred mode
of transportation. Almost 60% of people travelled by either their own or shared
vehicle. The primary contributors to air pollution and global warming are
petrol and diesel. The
transportation industry dominates and heavily influences the nation's GDP.
By the year 2030, there will be
roughly 40 crore people in India who need mobility solutions, making it the fifth
largest auto marketplace in the world and perhaps among the top three. Due to
the rising climate as well as economic issues the government as well as the
people are started moving towards the electronic vehicles such Electric cars,
electric scooters and bikes.
India is attempting to go electric,
with over seven and a half lakh electric vehicles now registered there and over
eight hundred charging stations. Electric vehicles should be used globally and
in India for a number of reasons. The last few decades have seen an increase in
initiatives and interest in preserving the environment and the climate. India
is one of the most populous nations as well as one of the economies that is
developing, thus there is a lot of transportation available to meet the needs
of the nation. Globally,
the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is growing swiftly. EV sales have
recently accelerated significantly worldwide, including in India. Despite the truth that India still
has a ways to go before realising its goals for electric vehicles, it is clear
that these vehicles present a significant opportunity for growth now and over
the long term. This is a system that calls for a sensible approach from
governments and organisations.
1.1 RESEARCH
OBJECTIVES:
Ø To investigate the growth and
competitiveness of the Indian automobile industry.
Ø To analyse the impact of EVs in India
and societal shift towards it through legal perspective.
1.2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY:
The study and analysis is purely
based on secondary sources of data. Different books, article newspapers and
relevant websites are referred. Google Scholar and another research database
were used to find the secondary source by compiling several pertinent published
papers, journals, reports, and periodicals on the topic indicated in the study
brief.
2. AN OVERVIEW OF INDIA'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE MARKET
GROWTH:
India is currently the world's
third-largest vehicle market. In 2022, India surpassed Japan to become the
world's third-largest market for light vehicles. According to a study, the market for electric vehicles
in India has enormous potential. The Indian government introduces numerous
measures to advance the research and knowledge of electric vehicles, so what
exactly are electric vehicles? It is a motorised vehicle that runs on
electricity. Because there is no combustion process, there are no smog
emissions or other forms of air pollution. The Electric Cars and bikes are very
beneficial to the consumers, government as well as the society.
The Electric vehicles don’t need fuel
to run like traditional vehicles, it only needs a charge for a couple of hours.
The Electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI) is a technological
advancement that makes it possible to charge electric automobiles. Battery
Electric Vehicles (BEV), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), and Hybrid
Electric Vehicles are the four different forms of EVs. (HEV). A variety of
battery types, from lead-acid battery to nickel-metal hydride, have been
utilised in EVs over the years. The most popular type of battery for EVs right
now, though, is lithium-ion (Li-ion). [1]As
a crucial element of its plan for a sustainable future, the government has been
actively supporting EVCI. Moreover Vehicles powered by electricity operate
smoothly, emit little pollutants, and are highly efficient. In comparison to
petrol vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in China were shown to have a
37.5% lower energy usage and 35% lower greenhouse gas emissions.[2]
The government has begun financing programmes to promote EV adoption, but
decision-makers must adopt a long-term vision to effectively implement them.
3. LEGAL POSITION ON EVs IN INDIA:
The Indian government has recently
modified current legislation to foster the EV revolution in addition to developing
new laws and regulations to govern the EV sector. It is challenging to
implement the same set of legislation for both due to the fundamental
differences between how an EV operates and how a motor vehicle operates. We'll
talk about a few of the distinctions between the two in this section and
briefly explain why EVs need a separate regulatory structure. Since most EVs
run on batteries rather than internal combustion engines, as was already
established, the requirements needed to approve an EV's operation are
substantially different from those needed for motor vehicles.
The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 (MV
Act) does not include provisions for electric buses or vehicles, but it does
have provisions for electric rickshaws and electric carts. Under the MV Act, e-rickshaws and
e-carts are classified separately, but the path to their regulation has been
just as difficult. In
order to distinguish EVs from conventional vehicles on the road and to assist
the authorities in offering EV drivers assistance, lowering toll taxes, etc.,
the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways imposed the exhibition of
coloured number plates for EVs in 2018.[3]
These plates must be yellow on a green background for transport EVs and white
on a green background for other EVs. Additionally, in accordance with the
original law, an EV must have a tyre replacement kit, a TPMS, and an extra
tyre.
In addition, the Ministry of Power
also issued various standards and norms to be followed by the EVs manufactures
regarding the process of charging the vehicles, Installation of Charging points
at areas and procedure to be followed. Also the Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs also issued notification regarding setting up of the charging
infrastructure and also permission to install EV charging points at public
premises.[4]
Though the legal framework are issued for EVs under various heads it would be
better if there is a separate statute to monitor and regulate the functioning
of electric vehicles in India.
4.0. BENEFITS OF USING ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND NEED
FOR SOCIETAL SHIFT:
4.1. Easy to maintain:
Compared to vehicles powered by a
traditional internal combustion engine, BEVs have fewer moving components. Less
maintenance is required, and there are no pricey systems like injecting fuel
and exhaust that are unnecessary in an EV. PHEVs have a gasoline engine and
require maintenance, which makes them more expensive than BEVs. However, they
also feature a battery-powered propulsion system, which has fewer moving parts
and lessens the wear and tear on portions of the fuel engine. Also the EV
vehicles can run as exactly fixed by the battery powers so the users can plan
and drive their vehicles. Unlike fuel vehicles, the EVs don’t need any frequent
changes or upgradation in the vehicles.
4.2. User friendly:
EVs are less expensive to manage
since they have excellent fuel economies and efficiency, which lower costs for
the owner. An electric vehicle costs approximately one-third as much to charge
every kilometre as a conventional vehicle does to buy fuel[5].
Also the electric vehicles like bikes don’t have complex procedure or way to
operate, it is very user friendly to operate. Also the EVs are noise free when
compared to traditional vehicles. It doesn't make loud noises or use any other
tones.
4.3. Health Advantages:
Better air quality will result from
less toxic emissions, which is excellent for our health. Nowadays many health
issues to humans are caused due to the harmful emission of gases from the Fuel
powered vehicles and from other things. With the use of Electric vehicles these
air pollution can be drastically reduced and paves way for better environment.
For Example even the cities like Delhi the air pollution is uncontrollable due
to the enormous vehicle combustion and emissions, so with the shift to EVs it
can be controlled and reduced. Additionally, EVs make a lot less noise than
vehicles powered by petrol or diesel.
4.4. Eco-Friendly:
EVs generate zero exhaust emissions,
making them less environmentally damaging. You can further lower greenhouse gas
emissions if you choose to charge your EV using renewable energy. Some EVs are
manufactured using environmentally friendly materials, including the Focus by
Ford Electric, which uses recycled and bio-based components, and the Nissan
Leaf, which uses recycled plastic bottles, used auto parts, and second-hand
appliances in some of its construction.[6]
Moreover many vehicles are made with fibre in order to ensure the light weight
of the vehicles. Nowadays the new EVs are modernized and built according to our
Indian roads.
4.5. More secure:
EVs are less prone to crash because
of their low centre of gravity. They also pose less danger from explosions and
fires. They are more durable due to their body construction, which makes them
safer in collisions. Moreover EVs have speed limit and adaptable nature
according to the area and road conditions.
5. INDIA AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES GROWTH:
India requires a revolution in
transportation. It is impractical to stay on the current course of introducing
more and more cars that consume expensive imported petrol and fill up already-clogged
cities that are plagued by infrastructure problems and severe air pollution.
The switch to electric mobility is one successful international strategy to
lower greenhouse gases in the transport industry. India is one of a select few nations
that back the global EV30@30 initiative, which seeks to have at least 30% of
new vehicle sales be electric by the year 2030.[7]
India presented a number of proposals during the Glasgow summit, including
using renewable energy to meet 50% of its energy demands by 2030, cutting
carbon emissions by a billion tons by then, and reaching net zero by 2070.
Let’s see the Electric Vehicles Annual Sales Trend in India (FY2014 - FY2022).
As depicted in the chart in India the
EVs sales in the year 2014 was around 2,982 vehicles which gradually started to
increase in the forthcoming years. [8]In
2020 the total EVs sales reached nearly 1, 70,812 which is the highest among
the previous years. At last in 2022 the Electric vehicles sales attained a
great boom of nearly 4, 55,773 which is 223.638% increase in sales than the
previous year. Thus it’s evident from the chart and data that India is in
progressive nature towards the usage of EVs in the society as in many ways it’s
beneficial to the public as well as the society.
5.1. KEY CHALLENGES FOR EVs IN INDIA:
Electric vehicles provide a number of
significant benefits, but with those benefits come a number of difficulties and
problems. Generally batteries power electric vehicles, they must be charged
sufficiently to keep them running. However, what happens if the batteries run
out of power? In this case, a charging station is required to keep the
batteries charged. There is only 300 to 500 charging stations currently
available in India, which lacks an adequate infrastructure for charging.
Therefore, the government is concentrating on this period and starting a policy
for the construction of charging stations. In addition Consumers are unable to
purchase new items that are so expensive in automobile industry. A fuel-based
combustion engine vehicle can cost up to 9 lakhs to 10 lakhs Indian rupees with
the same characteristics, but the price of an electric vehicle can't be
justified with the number of individuals who wish to purchase one.[9]
The latest Tesla model car costs roughly 60 lakh Indian rupees. Therefore, in
order to encourage consumers to purchase EVs, the cost should be reasonable for
Indians. First, in order to make it practicable, we need stop relying on other
nations for materials because doing so raises the price of those commodities
and discourages companies from producing as many EVs. Commonly an average
Indian buys a car and uses it roughly around 10 to 15 years, but in case of
electric vehicles there is a need to change the battery after a couple of
years.
In comparison to Indian automobile
Technology, the development of Electric Vehicles is more reliable globally. EVs
are not as effective in India in terms of performance, dependability, or speed.
It influences EV growth. India also depends on other nations, like as China,
for the components of electric vehicles, which causes a rise in imports and a
decline in the value of the rupee. The import of EV components like
Semiconductors, IC chips and other materials from China has been halted due to
the COVID19 epidemic, so India is now producing its own materials for EVs with
innovative policies. Even now Foxconn and other MNCs are planning to start
manufacturing of semiconductors in India which return the global hub for
electronics. Also the battery is the most crucial element of EVs. [10]
The estimated reserves of cobalt and
lithium needed for battery manufacture do not exist in India. Being somewhat
dependent on other nations for the purchase of batteries made from lithium-ion
is a barrier to total independence in the batteries manufacturing industry.
Emissions of greenhouse gases
are decreased with EV. However, the method used to generate the electricity
needed to charge EVs emits greenhouse gases as well. Global warming is a result
of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere Diseases of the respiratory,
pulmonary, and nervous systems may result from the manufacturing and processing
of energy storage devices as well as from eliminating of electrochemical
batteries. As a result, while designing energy storage systems, especially
batteries, safety measures must be taken.
Workforce is an important factor in
all industries, and the electric vehicle business is one of the most innovative
right now. Since many people are unfamiliar with EVs, labouring has become a
significant task in the EV industry. A suitable technology education should be
given to the labour force in order to address this issue, as doing so will
increase output and precision when constructing electric vehicles.
6.0. WAY FORWARD:
India's electric vehicle industry is
expanding significantly. India's ambition to encourage EVs and develop into a
manufacturing powerhouse for EVs is clearly stated in the legislation and
incentives implemented by both the state and the central governments. Even the
general population is seeking for alternatives these days to reduce their
travel costs, and the Indian EV industry, which is steadily growing, comes to
their aid amid an increase in the price of crude oil. Additionally, it is evident from
recent purchases that the market for EVs is expanding daily. The most commonly
used EVs are Cars and bikes in India as it only satisfies the day to day needs
of the consumers and household usage. A straightforward but important fact—that
electric vehicles can outperform those driven by combustion engines—has been
demonstrated by Tesla Motors Inc. in the United States. As a result, the
electric automotive sector is now being promoted in the United States and other
nations through a performance-focused awareness campaign. However, similar awareness
programmes must also be planned for the Indian market. Government can
accomplish this by launching campaigns to raise awareness or by holding
contests. There is a
good chance that EVs will become popular in India because the Indian government
is working to make it a country with only electric vehicles by the year 2030,
however there are certain areas that need more attention like Cost of Electric
vehicles, Battery infrastructure at remote areas, proper awareness about EVs,
Better research and improvements in the battery technology according to our
Indian culture and use. It
is difficult to predict what the future holds for electric vehicles, but this
sector has a great deal of potential to establish itself as the biggest
industry not just in India but worldwide with various advancements and
improvements in the vehicles.
6.1 CONCLUSION:
India's adoption of EVs is largely
intended to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and lower oil costs improve the
social and environmental condition. The Indian government has set forth an
ambitious and challenging goal with its vision for 2030. The government should
take full use of the potential offered and develop practical solutions to the
problems that will arise from the adoption of EVs. Electric automobiles are making
progress in India with the assistance given by the Indian government. In the
long run, these cars are far less expensive than normal vehicles powered by
fossil fuels. They are superior than fuel based vehicles since they are more
advantageous to just economically. Because they don't create sound or smog, electric vehicles
(EVs) will change the problem of pollution in India in addition to noise
pollution. One of the
primary issues with the expansion of the EV sector is the charging infrastructure.
The public and commercial sectors must collaborate more and more to build the
infrastructure for charging. The early investment and market adoption are
fraught with difficulties, but as possibilities arise, the EV market will grow.
Additionally, the worldwide
population has a significant role in the realisation and success of this
business. As a result, that through extensive advertising and environmental
education initiatives, people will feel empowered and encouraged to drive an
electric vehicle. So
with effective awareness about electric vehicles and the advanced development
of technology, it would be possible to make the EV industry bloom in India.
7. REFERNECES:
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3.
Wang, J., Zheng, B., & Liu, H.,Satisfying consumers all around: a
multidisciplinary view of retail. Industrial Management.121 (1), 158–171,
(2020).
4.
Indian Electric Vehicle Market Overview
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M.K. Hidrue, G. R. Parsons, W. Kempton, M. P.
Gardner, Willingness to pay for electric
vehicles and their attributes. Resource and Energy Economics, 33 (3), Pp.
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Tarei, P. K., Chand, P., & Gupta, H. Barriers to the adoption of electric
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Article Information
AN IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS ON SOCIETAL SHIFT TOWARDS ELECTRONIC VEHICLES IN INDIA AND ITS IMPACTS FROM AN INDIAN LEGAL PERSPECTIVE.
Authors: GNANAVEL L
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Published 2023/08/30
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- Abbreviation IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
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