EV targets not met, claims plea; SC seeks centre's report
Extract
from the article:
The Supreme Court of India has recently directed the central government to
submit a detailed status report on the implementation of electric vehicle (EV)
policies it had envisaged over the past decade. Despite ambitious targets set
as early as 2012, including the installation of 2.27 lakh charging stations
across the country, the actual progress has been drastically short, with merely
around 27,000 charging stations operational nationwide. This glaring gap not
only undermines the government’s commitment to green mobility but also casts a
shadow on the policy’s efficacy and implementation rigor.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s intervention highlights the
growing public and judicial scrutiny of the government’s pace in adhering to
sustainable transportation goals. The underachievement points to systemic
hurdles ranging from infrastructural bottlenecks to bureaucratic delays. The
lack of robust charging infrastructure severely impacts consumer confidence and
the market adoption rate of EVs, thereby hampering India’s transition towards a
cleaner and more sustainable mobility paradigm. The court’s demand for a
comprehensive report is a clarion call for renewed focus and accountability in
the EV ecosystem.
My
Take:
A. SC
to examine plea for e-vehicles to replace govt fleets
"Looking back at my blog post from January 2020, I delved into the Supreme
Court’s evaluation of an urgent plea to transition government fleets to
electric vehicles. Even then, I highlighted the monumental logistical and
financial challenges involved—purchasing and maintaining up to 5 lakh electric
vehicles was no small feat. It was clear that while intentions were noble,
execution was fraught with hurdles, from delivery delays to high costs."
Reflecting on the current Supreme Court directive, it’s
evident that some of the same issues ripple through today’s policy
implementation challenges. The bottleneck isn’t just about setting ambitious
targets but also ensuring practical mechanisms for infrastructure development
and stakeholder coordination. I had cautioned that without accountability and
proactive engagement, the transition towards e-mobility risks stagnation.
Today’s judicial scrutiny validates that early foresight and the necessity to embed
such concerns into policy frameworks.
B. National
EV Policy
"Back in March 2023, in my analysis of the parliamentary committee’s
recommendation for a comprehensive national EV policy, I underscored the
critical importance of learning from past experiences like the National
Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. The report lamented the shortfall
in EV sales targets — only 1.4 million instead of the expected 6-7 million
units by 2020, revealing a significant policy implementation gap."
Relating that insight to today’s focus on charging
infrastructure shortfalls, it reinforces the notion that piecemeal approaches
won’t suffice. A cohesive, multi-dimensional policy that addresses supply,
infrastructure, consumer incentives, and market readiness holistically is
indispensable. Without this, goals remain aspirational rather than attainable.
It’s a reminder that policy drafting must align with pragmatic ground realities
to catalyze meaningful progress.
C. Congratulations
"In mid-2021, I emphasized the strategic pivot within Maharashtra’s EV
policy towards infrastructure, especially the roll-out of charging stations and
related facilities. I stressed affordability and sufficiently robust
infrastructure as dual pillars for encouraging EV adoption, highlighting plans
to integrate e-charging in residential complexes, government establishments,
and public transport."
The Supreme Court’s recent concern over the abysmally low
charging station count echoes this prior analysis. It’s not enough to have
policy statements; their rigorous implementation, especially infrastructure
development, is imperative. The disconnect between policy design and on-ground
outcomes must be bridged through stronger governance frameworks,
incentivization of private stakeholders, and transparent monitoring systems.
This remains a vital lesson for all policymakers involved in advancing India’s
EV revolution.
Call to
Action:
To the Honourable Central Government and the Ministry of Heavy Industries and
Public Enterprises, this is a pivotal moment to demonstrate commitment beyond
rhetoric. It is essential to expedite the establishment of charging
infrastructure, particularly by leveraging public-private partnerships,
streamlining regulatory approvals, and enhancing consumer awareness programs. I
urge the government to present a transparent, detailed, and time-bound action
plan in the Supreme Court, focusing on measurable milestones. This concerted
push will not only honor judicial expectations but also cement India’s position
as a global leader in sustainable mobility.
With regards,
Hemen Parekh
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