The air quality went bad to worse in the last couple of days in the Indian capital city of Delhi. While the government is trying to curb air pollution by implementing the odd-even car scheme from the 4th to 15th of November, the question that arises in a few curious minds whether there could be a permanent solution. And yes, we do have a solution to curb tailpipe emissions by riding electric cars in India.

Reducing tailpipe emissions from vehicles is critical to address climate change in India. According to the International Council for Clean Transportation, an estimated 74,000 deaths occurred due to air pollution from transportation tailpipe emissions in India in 2015. This number is ought to rise with an increasing number of cars/ vehicles in India. Electric vehicles are best suited to reduce tailpipe emissions. With a goal of reaching 30% EV penetration by 2030, the Indian government has created a momentum for the faster adoption of EVs in India. So what’s the problem, then? Why aren’t we driving electric cars? According to Bloomberg, only 8,000 EVs were sold during the past six years.

India is a price-sensitive country. Kona, the new EV launched by Hyundai, sells for about $35K while the average Indian earns about $2K per annum. Most of the normal fossil fuel-based cars in India cost near $8K and it is estimated that electric cars will not achieve price parity with gasoline-powered cars until 2030.

According to R.C. Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the affordability of electric cars in India is just not there. Maruti is not introducing its first EV until next year.

Source: Hindu Business Line

Electric cars from Tata Motors Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. are used exclusively by government people. MG Motor is planning to launch an electric SUV by December. Other than affordability, lack of charging stations, finance options, etc. are other challenges for consumers to buy EVs in India. The new generation is excited about EVs but higher price points, make these cars inaccessible to the common masses.

Check out the List Of Best Electric Cars Running In India