India’s rapid urban growth and blitzkrieg pace of development have led to an increase in vehicular traffic on the roads. As a result, the country’s air quality has been deteriorating at an alarming rate, with many cities currently ranking amongst the most polluted in the world.
The country has been aggressively pushing towards electric mobility in recent years as a part of its efforts to reduce pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. The government has set a target of achieving 30% electric mobility by 2030, which includes electric cars, buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers. To achieve this goal, various policies and incentives have been introduced, such as tax exemptions, subsidies, and discounts on electric vehicles, as well as building the necessary charging infrastructure across the country. The government has also launched the FAME II scheme, which aims to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country. Additionally, several Indian automakers have also permeated the electric vehicle market, offering a wide range of electric cars, two-wheelers, and buses. The aggressive push towards electric mobility in India is a positive step towards reducing pollution and creating a cleaner and greener environment for future generations.
With increasing awareness of the detrimental effects of air pollution on health, especially for children, electric school buses can be one of the ways to address the concern. The UDISE report 2021-22 reveals that there are 3,35,844 private schools in India, a significant number of which provide transportation services for their students through school buses. Unfortunately, most of these buses continue to rely on petrol and diesel as energy sources, which have been detrimental to our environment for a prolonged period. As such, it’s imperative to recognize that no parent or guardian would want their children to inhale such toxic fumes, and measures must be taken to mitigate this issue.
Electric buses, as the name suggests, are powered by electricity and therefore, they do not emit any harmful pollutants, compared to their petrol or diesel counterparts. These buses run on clean energy, making them an environmentally friendly and sustainable option. India’s air quality is one of the worst in the world, and the deployment of electric buses can go a long way in mitigating this concern.
The health benefits of electric buses for students are significant. Exposure to pollution can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, particularly in children. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that air pollution is responsible for the deaths of around seven million people every year. By switching to electric buses, schools can ensure that children are not exposed to harmful pollutants and that can protect their health in the long run.
The deployment of electric buses will also be more cost-effective for schools over the longer term. While the initial cost of purchasing an electric bus is higher than a diesel or petrol bus, the running cost of electric buses is significantly lower. The cost of electricity is much lower than the cost of diesel or petrol, and electric buses require less maintenance than their traditional counterparts. Schools can save a substantial amount of money by switching to electric buses early on.
In addition, many state governments in India are providing incentives to encourage schools to switch to electric buses. As aforementioned, the Government of India’s FAME II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme provides financial incentives for the adoption of electric vehicles. As a part of this scheme, schools can avail subsidies for the purchase of electric buses, making it even more cost-effective to make the requisite transition.
Another benefit of electric buses is the zero-noise aspect. Traditional diesel or petrol buses are known for their loud engines, which can be a significant source of noise pollution. Electric buses operate quietly, making them ideal for use in residential areas and in the vicinity of schools, where noise pollution is a prevalent issue.
These buses are also technologically advanced and are equipped with state-of-the-art features such as regenerative braking, which helps to conserve energy. The buses also have advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC), making them safer for children to ride in.
If more schools in India adopt electric buses, the monopoly in the transportation sector would shift towards electric vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. This would create a more competitive market for electric mobility solutions, leading to more affordable and efficient options for schools to opt for. In turn, this would benefit schools by reducing their transportation costs and making their operations more sustainable, while also promoting the adoption of clean transportation solutions in the country.
Adopting electric buses would have a significant impact on schools and the environment. Schools would benefit from reduced operating costs, as electric buses require less maintenance and fuel costs compared to diesel or petrol vehicles. Additionally, electric buses produce lower levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which would result in improved air quality and a healthier environment for students, staff, and the wider community. By transitioning to electric buses, schools would also set an example for other institutions and individuals to follow in their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
By adopting electric buses, schools would set an example for generations to come. Children would learn about the benefits of electric vehicles and the importance of sustainable transportation from an early age, encouraging them to make environmentally conscious decisions in the future. This would help create a generation of environmentally aware citizens who prioritize sustainability and make choices that promote the well-being of the planet. Schools that embrace electric mobility would not only benefit themselves and the environment, but also play a key role in shaping the values and behaviors of future generations.
In conclusion, the deployment of electric buses in schools is a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier future. Electric buses are not only better for the environment but are also safe for the health and wellbeing of children. Moreover, there are several government schemes that aim to promote the localization of batteries for electric vehicles, such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles scheme and the Productivity-Linked Incentives for Auto and Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage scheme. These initiatives are immensely contributing to the affordability of electric vehicles, making them a more viable option.
(This article is authored by Mr. Satish Jain, Chairman PMI Electro)
