Electric cars, the next big thing in India?

In view of the depleting natural resources globally the day is not far when electric cars would provide one of the most sustainable mobility solution. In India, perhaps that day seems to be too far. However, there have been constant efforts by the government to promote manufacture and sale of electric cars in India, but in vain. There are some very strong reasons that would soon make electric cars a reality on Indian roads. Besides environmental concerns, first in the series is the sky rocketing fuel price that has compelled to explore some cheaper and more viable alternatives like electric cars.

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There are in fact some electric car offerings available in India such as Mahindra Reva besides an electric car by Tara International and Bavina Cars India Limited. Mahindra Reva price in India is Rs3.49 lakh to Rs4.28 lakh. Lately, reports have also come in that General Motors India is also thinking of showcasing an electric car under its electric vehicle program in the next couple of months. However, GM believes that green technology, environment-friendly mobility solutions like electric or alternate fuel vehicles depend on the demand and the availability of the required infrastructure and readiness of the Indian market.

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Meanwhile, the Indian government is also coming up with relaxed policies for hybrids and other environment-friendly mobility solutions including electric vehicles. The step has been initiated in the backdrop of criticisms that the future of hybrid or electric cars in India largely depends on the policies of the government. The government is said to have set up National Board for Electric Mobility (NBEM) & National Council for Electric Mobility (NCEM) for chalking out policies for promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in India. The government hopes to have the policy in place by 2012. 

A recent survey suggests some reasons that are dragging down the popularity of the electric cars in India. Primarily it is the lack of infrastructure. Lack of modernization of power grids is another impediment in the way besides lack of capacity to fulfill electricity during peak hours. Similarly, reports suggest that only the Delhi government is extending subsidy on EV manufacturing. The survey also suggested that 41.6 percent people agreed to pay high for EVs eyeing long term savings.