A report from Carbon Tracker warns that unless governments in India and other nations take action, they could become a destination for discarded internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, instead of benefiting from the electric vehicle revolution.
The report cautions that if governments in the Global South commit to using ICE vehicles, they will continue to rely on importing fossil fuels for instance African countries allocate $80 billion annually towards transportation fuels, which accounts for 2.5% of the continent’s GDP.
However, countries can reduce their dependence on fossil fuel imports and improve their economies by implementing policies that promote the use of electric vehicles. This shift would lead to significant savings, trade deficit reduction, decreased reliance on foreign refining, and the creation of new jobs in emerging industries.
The Global South including India can see an increase in Electric Vehicles if governments implement policies that encourage the use of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and support the development of a domestic BEV industry. These policies could include
- banning the import of used cars,
- implementing age restrictions and emission standards,
- imposing excise duties based on the age of vehicles,
- removing tariffs on electric cars,
- providing support for the production, sales, and recycling of BEVs within the country.
These measures will not only stimulate domestic economies but will also create a positive cycle that leads to faster electrification, a smart grid, and greater reliance on renewable energy. These changes will also reduce their dependence on other countries.
Reference- Carbon Tracker Report, Mercom India, Economic Times, Inside EVs