POST NEWS NETWORK
For India to meet its climate commitments and reduce unrestrained emission of fast-depleting fossil fuels, the need of the hour is to make electric cars viable by developing requisite infrastructure
Tesla Inc, a US-based carmaker, has created ripples worldwide by rolling out the new electric Model 3 compact car recently. As the price of the car starts at $35,000, it is believed it has the potential to attract millions of customers across the globe.
In the backdrop of a fierce global debate centered on the extinction of fossil fuels, a recent study conducted by Stanford University suggests the whole of land transport will switch to electric vehicles by 2025. Orissa Post speaks to youth about the viability of electric cars in India.
Mrutyunjay Samal, a green activist, said many studies have predicted that cars that run on fossil fuels will vanish within a decade and prospective car buyers will have no choice but to invest in electric vehicles. This is because the cost of these vehicles will decrease which will result in the collapse of the petroleum industry.
“A recent report by Niti Aayog recommends lower taxes and loan interest rates on electric vehicles while capping sales of petrol and diesel cars. These pro-environment policies of the government have pushed car companies like Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo to start working on autonomous technology and electric cars,” said Samal.
According to environmentalist Pranab Gop, “We have record carbon dioxide levels. Electric vehicles have been identified as being a key technology in reducing future emissions and energy consumption in the transportation sector. It addresses the issues of energy efficiency and environmental impact. Electric cars can serve as a suitable instrument towards a sustainable future in road transportation.”
He added that India, being a signatory to the Paris Climate accord, aims at reducing toxic emissions by increasing its use of green energy. In this perspective, electric cars are the only solution. If plying of electric cars is viable on Indian soil, it will reaffirm the country’s commitment towards creating a greener world.
Alok Kumar Lal, a car enthusiast from Cuttack, who has three cars and planning to add an Audi to his proud possessions, said that he was eager to buy a Tesla Model 3 if it comes to India. “However, the current infrastructure of the country and is not suitable to run electric cars. There is lack of charging stations. However, if the government takes measures to improve the infrastructure, I will go for an electric car. While I will get rid of the fuel expenditure, I can help my country meet the Paris climate objectives,” the Cuttack-based businessman added.
Pritish Kumar Nayak, system consultant at Enterprise System Solutions Private Ltd, said: “While the concept of electric car is promising, it does not make any sense in India. The roads are not equipped. In addition, the electrical infrastructure of the country is also not up to the mark.”
Nayak, who is fond of cars, said, “We also do not have adequate power generation capacity. While the government cannot supply enough electricity for domestic and other industrial needs and when people of the country suffer from frequent power cuts, the concept of electric vehicle is not a viable option for our country. The government has to make a transformation at the policy level for infrastructure development to make the concept viable.”
Another car enthusiast Subarna Keshari Rout said the electric car is the best innovation so far as far as stopping fossil fuel emissions are concerned. Further, the features of the Tesla Model 3 are appealing. While the base model can go an estimated 354 km on a charge, it can go from 0-60 miles per hour and has a top speed of 130 mph. The long-range version goes from 0-60 mph and has a top speed of 140 mph. However, it is high time the road communication infrastructure of the country is developed to make electric cars viable.
However, according to Pune-based engineer Devraj Sharma, the Tesla Model 3 would appeal to a large segment of Indians. Further, if it is assembled in the country, it will be cheap. It is a phenomenal car with a great range and features. People know that electric is the future, he said.
Around a week ago, there were 500,000 pre-orders for the car. It also generated a lot of interest in India. However, if the company reduces the price below Rs 30 lakh, the model has a great chance of flooding the Indian market, he added.
Kolkata-based engineer Purnima said the real challenge for electric cars is the charging infrastructure that will have to develop with the sales network. If Tesla’s plans to set up a supercharger network in India go as per schedule, electric cars will be a boon for the country.
