ET NOW GBS 2024: Business leaders discuss how India is charging through the global EV movement

A panel of experts discussed India’s potential to be a leader in electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and the sustainability challenges the industry must overcome. Though EVs are seen as critical to reducing transport emissions, manufacturing them also has environmental impacts.

“We often say EVs are zero-emitting vehicles. Do you believe they are net zero-emitting vehicles?” asked the moderator, noting emissions from manufacturing batteries and other components.

“The net carbon footprint at this point is higher than internal combustion engines,” said Satish Sundaresan, MD Elektrobit India. Another argued EVs produce about half the emissions of traditional vehicles if you exclude manufacturing. But powering EVs with renewable energy instead of coal plants is key.

The panel dug into issues around battery manufacturing, recycling and sustainability. One urged looking beyond lithium batteries to technologies like hydrogen fuel cells for long-term sustainability. Another brought up innovative zero-emission tire production methods to reduce the EV industry’s environmental impact.

Access to land, technology, stable supply chains and funding were cited as key roadblocks for sustainable manufacturing. But standards, digital tools like AI and collaboration between industry and research institutions can help overcome hurdles.

Panelists hoped that in 5-10 years sustainable manufacturing comes naturally and India emerges as a global EV leader, especially in serving growing markets like Africa. But work is still needed on commercial viability and consumer adoption. “The real program is how the economic viability of this industry looks,” concluded one.

Overall, the business leaders’ discussion highlighted India’s promising position to lead in sustainable electric vehicle manufacturing and adoption globally. But realizing this potential will require holistic solutions that consider environmental impacts across the EV lifecycle while also addressing critical economic and social factors.

If India can develop innovative, commercially viable models for EV production and use, it could set an example for other emerging economies to follow a low-carbon transport pathway. With strategic policies, public-private partnerships, and a focus on equity, India has an opportunity to charge ahead as a champion of sustainable mobility.