Transition to electric trucks- Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution

Source: The post transition to electric trucks has been created on the article “Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution” published in “The Hindu” on 27th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Environment– environmental pollution

News: This article discusses the severe air pollution problem in Indian cities, mainly caused by PM2.5 and PM10 pollution from trucks and construction. It emphasizes the need to transition to electric trucks, create green freight corridors, and attract private investment to tackle the pollution crisis.

Why is there a need to transition to electric trucks?

Growing Truck Fleet: About 9 lakh new trucks are added annually in India, increasing PM2.5 pollution. The existing fleet is already large, with 70 lakh trucks.

High Fuel Consumption and Emissions: Trucks consume over a quarter of India’s oil imports and are responsible for over 90% of road transport CO2 emissions.

Electric Vehicles Penetration: While electric vehicle use has crossed 6%, electric trucks are still limited, mainly due to cost and infrastructure challenges.

Need for Decarbonization: To meet the 2070 net zero target, decarbonizing the transport sector, especially through truck electrification, is crucial.

What are the steps taken by the government to facilitate the shift towards electric vehicles?

FAME Schemes: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles initiative offers incentives for purchasing EVs and establishing charging stations.

National Electric Mobility Mission Plan: Launched in 2020, it targets having 30% electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

Tax Incentives: An additional tax deduction of INR 1.5 Lakh is provided for the interest on loans for electric vehicle purchases.

Public Transport Enhancement: Financial support is given for electric buses in cities like Delhi.

Transformative Mobility Mission: This focuses on the manufacturing of EVs, components, and batteries.

NITI Aayog’s Battery Manufacturing Subsidy: Proposes a $4.6 billion subsidy to boost domestic lithium battery production.

What should be done to facilitate this transition?

Address High Upfront Costs: Tackle the issue of e-trucks being expensive (₹1.5 crore for electric vs. ₹40 lakh for diesel trucks) through subsidies or financial incentives.

Accelerate E-Truck Adoption: Increase the pace of transitioning to electric trucks, aiming beyond the 7,750 e-truck targets for 2030.

Public-Private Investment: Mobilize funding by combining public and private investments, aiming for a high ratio of private to public funds.

Expand Electric Rail Freight: Utilize India’s electrified rail freight more, as it currently covers only 20% of freight.

Set Electrification Targets: Establish clear targets for electrifying trucks, similar to what’s being done for buses.

Create Green Freight Corridors: Designate specific highways as green corridors to demonstrate the effectiveness of e-trucks.

Innovative Financing and Incentives: Innovative financial tools, incentives for charging infrastructure, support for entrepreneurial initiatives, and a favorable regulatory environment can help achieve the essential breakthrough in India’s truck electrification.

Terminology used

Particulate Matter (PM): It is a type of air pollution made up of tiny particles and droplets in the air. It’s categorized mainly into two types: a) PM10- These particles are inhalable, with diameters of 10 micrometers or smaller. They come from sources like construction sites, unpaved roads, and fields. b) PM2.5- Even smaller, these fine particles have diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less. They can come from smokestacks, fires, and other similar sources.

PM, especially PM2.5, poses significant health risks. Due to their tiny size, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the transition to electric trucks in India can contribute to addressing both air pollution and the country’s long-term sustainability goals.