Is India ready for Electric Highways?
Abhijeet Sinha, Program Director, Ease of Doing Business and Project Director, NHEV, shares insights
On the sidelines of REI 2024, mojo4industry had a fireside chat with Abhijeet Sinha, Program Director – Ease of Doing Business and Project Director- NHEV. Mr. Sinha has been instrumental in advancing India’s transition to electric mobility, with recent tech trials marking a significant step forward. In this conversation, we explored the implications of these trials and their impact on the future of electric mobility in India.
Could you share the key objectives of the third tech trial in Tamil Nadu for upgrading highways into e-highways? How does this trial differ from the previous successful trials in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra?
The third tech trial in Tamil Nadu is pivotal in advancing the concept of electric highways, primarily focusing on public transportation vehicles such as buses, intercity cars, and SUVs. Unlike the previous trials in Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, which were more focused on personal vehicles and electric trucks, this trial introduces a broader scope for public transport systems. In the current landscape of electric mobility, it is imperative to understand how larger vehicles, like buses, can operate efficiently on electric highways. This shift will not only cater to individual mobility needs but also address mass transportation requirements, making electric mobility more accessible and sustainable on a larger scale.
In terms of data collection, this trial emphasizes gathering extensive data on how public transportation can be electrified, which includes operational insights, cost efficiency, and route optimization for electric buses and SUVs. The collected data is crucial not only for refining electric mobility but also for future infrastructure development, asset management, and policy planning.
After the success of these pilot projects, what are the next steps in scaling the National Highways for Electric Vehicles initiative across India? How will this contribute to the broader goals of sustainable transportation and renewable energy integration?
Following the successful trials, the next logical step is to scale the National Highways for Electric Vehicles (NHEV) initiative across the country. This third trial is part of a broader series designed to gather data, not just on personal vehicles, but also on public transportation options like buses and trucks. As we move forward, scaling the NHEV initiative will require comprehensive efforts to optimize the network, including the deployment of fast-charging stations, integration of renewable energy sources, and the creation of electric vehicle (EV)-friendly infrastructure across the highways.
One of the major goals is to develop a comparative analysis that helps us understand the operational costs, break-even points, and environmental impacts of different vehicle types—electric, diesel, and LNG. With this data, we can identify the most cost-effective and sustainable transportation options for long-distance travel, particularly in the context of India’s unique geographical and economic landscape. The transition from diesel to electric transportation will not only help reduce carbon emissions but also support the government’s broader agenda of integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into the transportation grid. This initiative will contribute to achieving the national goals for reducing dependency on fossil fuels and meeting global climate commitments.
There’s been significant investment in electric trucks and infrastructure. How is this funding being sourced and deployed? Who will benefit from these financial resources?
The electric truck sector is inherently capital-intensive, requiring substantial investment not just in vehicle technology but also in the development of supporting infrastructure, including charging stations, power backup systems, and highspeed charging networks. The government has recognized the importance of these investments and is deploying financial resources through various funding mechanisms, including long-term loans and blended financing options. These financial instruments are crucial for addressing the viability gap in the electric truck ecosystem, ensuring that both private sector players and public enterprises have access to the necessary capital to build the required infrastructure.
One notable initiative includes the government matching Rs 500 crore in private funding with an equal amount from public funds, thereby creating a strong financial foundation for the deployment of electric trucks. This blended financing approach ensures that the benefits of these investments reach a wide range of stakeholders, including fleet operators, logistics companies, and large-scale transportation networks. The infrastructure built today will serve as the backbone for the future of India’s electric truck industry, ensuring that both large corporations and smaller businesses can transition to electric transportation. By facilitating this shift, the government is not only driving the adoption of electric vehicles but also ensuring that the economic benefits of this transition are shared across various sectors.
Watch this engaging interaction now!
