It has never been more important to find sustainable and effective transit options in India’s busy cities. Last-mile urban connection is becoming more and more of a problem as cities expand. From a transit hub to their destination, the last leg of a commuter’s route frequently presents major obstacles, resulting in traffic, pollution, and longer travel times. Two-wheeler electric vehicles (EVs) have shown great promise in this respect, transforming urban commuting and tackling the last-mile connectivity issues in the Indian environment.
In India, high traffic and its related issues make urban travel a nightmare. Cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are among the most crowded in the world, according to a TomTom analysis, which leads to a great deal of time waste and higher fuel use. In addition to reducing productivity, traffic congestion exacerbates environmental damage and air pollution. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) research, air pollution is really responsible for almost 1.5 million fatalities in India.
Two-wheeler EVs provide a convincing answer to these problems. Cities may drastically cut emissions and enhance air quality by adopting electric vehicles. A Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) study found that electric two-wheelers can generate up to 90% fewer greenhouse emissions than their gasoline-powered equivalents. By reducing the negative consequences of vehicle pollution, this move to electric transportation can significantly improve the cleanliness and health of urban areas.
Furthermore, it is impossible to overlook the financial toll that traffic congestion takes. Traffic congestion in Indian cities costs the nation about ₹1.5 lakh crore ($20 billion) a year, according to a Boston Consulting Group analysis. This includes wasted fuel, lost productivity, and higher medical costs as a result of health problems brought on by air pollution. Cities may lessen traffic congestion, cut down on travel time, and minimise financial losses by encouraging the use of two-wheeler EVs for last-mile connection.
Two-wheeler EVs are a desirable alternative for urban commuters because to their affordability and operational cost reductions. Because electricity is substantially less expensive than fuel or diesel, electric two-wheelers are more cost-effective to operate than traditional vehicles. According to a Bloomberg NEF study, compared to their gasoline-powered equivalents, electric two-wheelers can have operational costs that are up to 70% cheaper per km. They are, therefore, an affordable option, especially for short-distance city travel.
The Indian government has put in place a number of incentives and subsidies to hasten the adoption of two-wheeler EVs. Electric two-wheelers are eligible for subsidies under the PM E-Drive, which lowers their cost for customers. To encourage the use of electric vehicles, the government has also offered income tax breaks and GST exemptions. By encouraging people to move to cleaner and greener modes of transportation, these policy initiatives hope to foster an environment that is conducive to electric mobility.
Two-wheeler EVs are revolutionising urban transportation and provide a workable answer to the last-mile connectivity issues facing Indian cities. Two-wheeler EVs have the potential to revolutionise urban mobility by lowering traffic congestion, enhancing air quality, and providing affordable transportation. By working together, India can create a sustainable and effective urban transport system that will improve the lives of its citizens and contribute to a more environmentally friendly future.
