Assam to phase out fossil fuel-based vehicles by 2030

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? 

News Source: TH