Why Decarbonising Indian Road Logistics Is Essential

Road transport emerges as a significant contributor in carbon emissions, accounting for about 10 per cent of India's emissions in 2021

A substantial portion of emissions, over a third, emanates from medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

Source : Getty

By Rohan Shravan

India finds itself at a pivotal juncture within its logistics domain, grappling with an increasingly pressing challenge: the urgent need for decarbonisation. As the nation grapples with a surge in carbon emissions, the domain of road transport emerges as a significant contributor, accounting for approximately 10 per cent of India's emissions in the year 2021.

This alarming trend has sparked vital deliberations about the imperative to revolutionise the logistics landscape. The journey towards decarbonising Indian logistics confronts a myriad of challenges but concurrently presents an opportune moment to embrace innovative solutions, notably through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the promising potential of hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Challenges encountering Indian logistics

A substantial portion of emissions, over a third, emanates from medium and heavy commercial vehicles. Addressing this issue necessitates a strategic and meticulous approach. The transition towards cleaner mobility through the adoption of EVs encounters hurdles, notably due to the reliance on coal for power generation, thereby emphasising the necessity for cleaner energy sources for EV charging.

Moreover, persistent concerns revolve around the environmental ramifications of mining metals indispensable for EV batteries, thereby complicating the transition process. The disparity between vehicle variety and the penetration of electric mobility, particularly in trucks and inter-state buses, compounded by concerns of affordability and energy security, further exacerbates the existing challenges.

The Role of EVs in decarbonising India

Amidst these challenges, the adoption of EVs emerges as a pivotal solution for India. EVs offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, significantly curbing air pollution, especially within commercial passenger segments. An in-depth analysis reveals that achieving a 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 could yield substantial economic benefits, generating employment opportunities while drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions by millions of tonnes. When complemented by improvements in public transport, the impact of EVs becomes even more profound. Research underscores the tangible economic and environmental benefits of electrifying specific commercial vehicle segments, such as autorickshaws, taxis, and buses.

Govt Initiatives and Infrastructure Investments

The government's proactive initiatives, exemplified by the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, signify a determined stride towards embracing cleaner mobility solutions. Nonetheless, the establishment of a comprehensive charging infrastructure remains pivotal for the widespread adoption of EVs. Investments in accessible charging networks across urban centers and highways, alongside fostering public-private partnerships, stand as imperative steps in this direction.

Charting the path ahead

India's quest for a sustainable transportation future hinges on a strategic integration of multiple approaches, encompassing biofuels, compressed natural gas (CNG), hydrogen hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and predominantly, EVs. While there are talks about the advantages of hydrogen's potential in specialised transport niches, the future leans towards the practicality and dominance of electric mobility.

According to an analysis conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), achieving a 30 per cent Electric Vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030 is projected to result in significant outcomes. This includes the creation of 120,000 direct jobs, generating Rs 1.5 trillion in value-add from EV manufacturing, and the reduction of 16 million tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Additionally, the environmental impact of GHG ( greenhouse gases) savings can be amplified fourfold by complementing EV usage with enhanced public transport systems. With numerous automotive companies preparing for EV launches, India is poised to maintain a steadfast focus on transitioning personal vehicle trips towards public transport and fostering a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives in its commercial vehicle fleet.

The writer is the founder and CEO at Tresa Motors.

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