24 December 2024
Our travels in cities are slowly evolving and, on their go,-green track! The term sustainable urban mobility is related to the needs and desires of people for cleaner, cost-effective, and environment-friendly commutation. The biggest step in this regard is the entry of electric cabs into the transport scenario, promising reduction of pollution and saving time to travel.
The increasing environment concerns to be met with eco-friendly transportation
Most developing regions are suffering from growing pollution due to transportation, which is growing faster than that in developed nations. This necessitates the need for eco-friendly transportation modes to decrease the growing traffic jams and air pollution. In the world, 20–25% of energy use and CO2 emissions come from transport. It is, therefore, important for countries to develop sustainable transport solutions, such as electric vehicles, if they want to meet their environmental targets.
More Incentives and Subsidies for EVs by the Government
Government of India has rolled out the PM E-DRIVE Scheme with incentives/subsidies on purchases and charging infrastructure to popularize electric vehicles with effect from October 1, 2024. It will be valid till March 2026 and has been given a total allocation of ₹8,070 crore for promoting electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, e-ambulance, and electric buses. It fortifies the pledge of the government towards sustainable urban mobility.
Improvement in Battery Technology and Charging Infrastructure
The factor that will be acting fast to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles in India is improving battery technology. The new generation of lithium-ion batteries is a lot more efficient, while range and charging times are getting improved. Charging infrastructure in India is still incomplete. While cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai see expansion in public and private EV charging stations, the coverage in smaller towns and rural areas remains pretty much below par. Therefore, fast chargers have been installed at an unprecedented rate, reducing charging time drastically and hence making EVs viable even for intra-city commuters and taxi fleets.
Savings in operation and maintenance costs of electric cabs over conventional taxis
Electric cabs promise to be a much cheaper alternative in India compared to conventional petrol or diesel taxis. The cost of electricity is way below the cost of fuel, especially with the availability of various government subsidies and incentives on EV charging. Also, the maintenance cost will be lesser because the electric vehicles have simpler designs with fewer moving parts; hence, there is no need for oil changes or replacement/repair of the exhaust system. Such benefits make electric cabs a financially viable option for fleet operators, especially in cities reliant heavily on very expensive fuel.
Growth in urban planning and infrastructure supportive of EVs
More cities are establishing charging stations, lanes solely for EVs, and other tax benefits to make electric cars more use-friendly. This, in turn, reduces pollution and allows greener transportation modes, thus making the city more eco-friendly and accessible for electric car drivers.
Increased awareness among consumers about the benefits of sustainable mobility
Environmental awareness is on the rise, and this is slowly leading to eco-friendly modes of transport such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transport. This reduces emissions, combats climate change, and aids in cleaner, greener cities.
Greener transportation can help in building cleaner, healthier, and efficient cities. As more people embrace these alternatives, we can look forward to a future where urban mobility is both sustainable and accessible for everyone.
The author, Vikash Kejriwal, is, COO at CABI by SKIL
