Green transition or urban luxury?

Bengaluru: India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution is gaining momentum, with major cities experiencing a surge in EV registrations, the establishment of new charging stations, and government incentives. On paper, it’s a promising step toward reducing carbon emissions and curbing urban air pol lution.

But a closer look raises a crucial question: is this green transition truly inclusive? Under the government’s FAME-II scheme, thousands of crores have been al located to promote EV adoption. Yet, the bulk of these benefits are flow ing into private two- and four-wheeler purchases in urban areas like Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune.

Charging infrastructure is still scarce or non-existent in Tier 2 and 3 cities, let alone rural areas, limiting the reach of this so-called national mission. The socioeconomic divide becomes clearer when we consider who can afford these vehicles. The majority of EV buyers belong to the upper-middle class, with private four-wheelers being the most subsidised.

Environmental concerns add another layer of com plexity. While EVs are emission-free at the tailpipe, much of India’s electric ity still comes from coal. So, are we merely shifting pollution from congested cities to distant thermal plants? Additionally, India is heavily reliant on imports, particularly from China, for lithium-ion batteries.

This raises new vulnerabilities, as the country transitions away from oil dependency, only to fall into another trap. India’s EV dream is laud able, but to call it green or inclusive would be premature. A genuine energy transition must go beyond showroom sales in cities. It must include cleaner grid power, support public transport, and meet the mobility needs of rural India.

Otherwise, we risk building a cleaner, quieter future – but only for the privileged few.