Decarbonization of Transportation Sector
Authors: Dr. Ravindra Utgikar  
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Historically, The Indian automobile industry is regarded indicator of health of economy, as the automobile sector plays a key role in both macroeconomic expansion and technological advancement. However, Indian auto industry is at the cusp of transformation to low carbon mobility. In January this year, SIAT 2024-, biennial international flagship event, organized by ARAI in association with SAE carried a theme- ‘Transformation Towards Progressive Mobility’ and that gave us glimpses of new age mobility solutions. Subsequently, Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 where there were numerous new automotive models and technologies were on display.
Climate Change and Transportation
In the relentless pursuit of growth and development, human beings are mindlessly consuming energy derived from fossil resources. As a consequence, we not only have climate change due to uncontrolled GHG emissions but also environmental crisis because of irrevocable damage to planet earth. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Its evil effects in terms of climate calamities are posing existential threat to humanity.
Transportation sector is second largest consumer of fossil-based energy after industry. It is also the second largest emitter of GHG. According to the IEA reports, India's road transport sector accounts for 12% of the energy sector's carbon footprint. Road transport also contributes 20% to 30% of urban pollution. Energy transition, from fossil fuels to cleaner and greener energy resources, has emerged as most promising climate action pathway.
In the fight against climate change, India has announced target to achieve Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2070. Decarbonization of transportation sector is then not a matter of choice but an imperative to achieve carbon neutrality target. All out efforts are needed to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector and to make road, sea and air transport cleaner and more affordable.
Strategic Policy Interventions
Indian Government has taken several policy level initiatives to facilitate Indian auto industry transitioning towards a clean, low-carbon economy by fostering innovation and incentivizing eco-friendly technologies. Let’s look at some major initiatives.
Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFÉ) regulation is encouraging manufacturers to not only opt for more models in the green segment but also to delve into alternative fuel options beyond EVs such as hybrid, CNG, flexi-fuels.
Leapfrogging from BS-IV to BS-VI norms for fuel and vehicles from 1st April, 2020 for all major on-road vehicle categories has imposed stricter limits on particulate matter (PM) from tail pipe emissions positively impacting health of citizens.
National Bio fuels policy 2018 is facilitating 20% ethanol blending in gasoline by 2025. Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) policy has paved way for usage of low carbon Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) as automotive fuel.
Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) Scheme is stimulating the demand for EVs in the country and facilitating electrification of public Decarbonization of transportation sector & shared transportation by establishing electric vehicle public charging stations. This is particularly helping improve air quality index in urban areas which has reached alarming levels especially in large metropolitan cities.
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Automobile and Auto components, is helping build capacities for the manufacturing of Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products primarily targets Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs), including Battery Electric Vehicles and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles.
Conclusion
With collective efforts of the government and industry, the path to a carbon-neutral automotive landscape is certainly achievable. This concerted commitment to sustainability is not just a responsibility but a powerful testament to the automotive industry's dedication to a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.