India is known to be one of the world’s largest two-wheeler markets. Estimates from India Emissions Model of the International Council for Clean Transportation indicate that two-wheelers accounted for 70% of petrol, and 25% of oil consumption from road transport in 2021.
India’s dependence on fossil fuels will more than double by the year 2050 if we continue to promote petrol-powered two-wheelers.
In the past few years, the healthy uptake of electric two-wheelers in India has been instrumental in accelerating the country’s transition to e-mobility.
According to a recent report by the NITI Aayog and the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), there is a possibility of 100% penetration of electric two-wheelers in the Indian market by FY26-27.
Experts from The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the International Council for Clean Transportation (ICCT) have weigh in with their views on vehicle electrification and how it can reduce India’s dependence on oil imports, thereby paving the way for an energy-independent and self-reliant future.
Mr. I. V. Rao, Senior Visiting Fellow, TERI, Said :
Ms. Shikha Rokadiya, Researcher (Consultant), ICCT, Said :
As India celebrates 75 years of independence, large-scale vehicle electrification will be crucial for India in the years ahead to achieve its transport decarbonization and net-zero goals.
The transition to e-mobility will also support many other national goals including reducing oil imports, improving air quality, and supporting actions to mitigate climate change.
Furthermore, it will foster India’s industrial competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.