Assam to phase out fossil fuel-based vehicles by 2030
Part of: GS Prelims and GS- III – Environment; Economy
Context The Assam government has unveiled an electric vehicle (EV) policy for phasing out vehicles running on fossil fuels by 2030.
Key features of the scheme
The mission entails converting all government vehicles and fleet of public buses to electric and deploying 2 lakh EVs within the next five years.
The policy also offers a set of incentives for people to switch to EVs.
These include 100% exemption on registration charges and road tax.
Entrepreneurs setting up EV charging stations have been assured of 90% exemption of electricity duty.
About Electric Vehicles (EVs)
An electric vehicle uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion.
An electric vehicle may be powered through a self-contained battery, solar panels or an electric generator to convert fuel to electricity.
Why is there a need for EVs in India?
Climate change: EV are less polluting in nature.
Rapid urbanization: India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. EVs will help in tackling this problem by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities.
Energy security: EVs can reduce dependence on imported crude oil promoting India’s energy security.
Employment: Promotion of EVs will facilitate employment growth in a sun-rise sector.
What are the Government Initiatives?
Government has set a target of electric vehicles making up 30 % of new sales of cars and two-wheelers by 2030 from less than 1% today.
