Why electric mobility is necessary for India?

Opportunity in Crisis: Being an optimistic person, I always tend to look at things positively. Amid all such geopolitical situations, the aggressive transition towards green/electric mobility is beneficial to our nation in more than one way.

I see a three-pronged path of victory in the nation's perusal toward electric mobility.

1. Reduced Air Pollution: While international pressure exists, it's also important to introspect about the reality in our country. Sr. Pulmonologists in Delhi recently revealed that the color and texture of lungs in newborns and children are changing.

Doctors claim that lungs among infants and children are pink in color and slowly turn brown as they advance in age because of exposure to pollution and cigarettes. But in recent times, doctors while performing surgeries on kids noticed that this generation of kids already have their lungs' color being turned brownish. It means that air pollution caught hold of our future generation already.

If we don't act in time, we risk raising a generation that spends the majority of its time and efforts overcoming pulmonary health issues which is not a great sign for a young and growing economy like India.

And hence, controlling air pollution is very important and the transition towards electric mobility is a direct impact on air pollution. The best litmus test for the same was witnessed by all of us during the lockdown. Especially when all the factories and movement of passengers were on standstill. When the 21-day lockdown was announced, none of our cities' emerged in the top 10 polluted cities in the world. The air quality index of the entire country including Delhi was much better. Of course, there is enough news those days on how our Heritage and one of the wonders of the world started to appear from a far distance like never before because of clear air.

Thus, one goal we would achieve through transitioning to electric mobility is reduced air pollution in the country and a better future and living conditions we would be handing over to the next generation.

2. Reduced dependency on oil imports: We as a nation are heavily dependent on oil imports. Our imports which are at $160 billion are expected to double to $300 billion by 2030. This is exactly the size equivalent to the Indian Automotive Industry.

It means that the very growth we would have achieved through immense hard work and dedication would be nullified owing to the tradeoff with increased oil dependency and Current Account Deficit (CAD). Thus, transitioning towards green mobility will not only create a green and clean environment but also reduce our dependency on oil imports.

3. Opportunity to Emerge as Global Market Leader: We missed the Industrial Revolution and we cannot afford to miss the electric vehicle revolution. India is often referred to as the microsome of the world. With its diverse customer base, and varied infrastructure, Indian Automotive Industry truly depicts the miniature of the world. This means any vehicle that sells and succeeds in India will have a strong export market in the world. Electric vehicles built for India will also suit the requirements of the rest of the world. This way, India will not only remain as the Global consumer/market for EV Products but also can emerge as a global manufacturer. This also resonates with the government's ambition of Made in India, built for the world.

Thus, it is established beyond doubt that the transition toward electric mobility for us as a nation is not an option but an obligation. At the same time, this is also a synonym for one-shot three birds.

Now in the next section, let's understand how the world is progressing in the green mobility initiative and the clues that India could learn from them.

Article By- Rajeev YSR

Chief Mentor - EV Masterclass | MIT Sloan | IIT Madras I 40 Under 40 | Govt Advisor | Policy & IP | Global Emerging Leader & National Youth Icon'22 awardee| Angel Investor | Startup Mentor | Faculty | EV Expert | Ex COO - Avaan, Gati, Bosch, M&M, TVS