UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 28th August

UPSC DAW Mains Answer Writing 2025 28th August

Question

Green mobility is transforming India’s transport sector. Examine the contribution of government initiatives in this transformation. What challenges remain in achieving the target of 30% EV penetration by 2030? (10 marks, 150 words) 

Model Answer

Introduction:  

  • Green mobility, encompassing electric vehicles (EVs), public e-buses, and sustainable infrastructure, is central to India’s low-carbon growth pathway. As per the Government of India’s commitment under EV30@30 initiative, India targets 30% EV penetration by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070. With transport accounting for about 10% of national GHG emissions, the shift to electric and clean transport is not just an environmental imperative but also an energy security and public health necessity. 

 Government Initiatives Driving Transition: 

  • FAME-II (2019–present): 

  • It has provided the much-needed push for mass adoption of EVs by subsidising two-wheelers, buses, and cars while simultaneously funding charging stations. 

  • By June 2025, over 16 lakh EVs were supported and nearly 9,000 charging stations installed (MHI). 

  • More than subsidies, it signalled long-term policy commitment that encouraged private players to scale production. 

  • PM e-Bus Sewa (2023): 

  • Aimed at reshaping urban public transport, it deploys e-buses through a PPP model. 

  • With over 7,000 buses sanctioned across states already, it bridges affordability concerns of municipal corporations and expands green transport to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. 

  • The Payment Security Mechanism adds credibility by insulating operators from payment defaults, thereby ensuring viability. 

  • PLI Schemes (2021 onwards): 

  • By linking incentives to domestic value addition, the PLI for auto and advanced chemistry cells has begun creating a local ecosystem for EV manufacturing. 

  • It reduces import dependence on batteries and attracts global players to set up Indian production bases. 

  • This complements ‘Make in India’ while addressing one of the biggest bottlenecks i.e. supply chain vulnerability. 

  • Together, these schemes demonstrate that India’s approach is not just about adoption but about building a complete ecosystem, from manufacturing to infrastructure to public transport. 

 Challenges Ahead: 

  • Affordability Gap: EVs still cost significantly more than conventional vehicles. While subsidies help, long-term adoption requires reducing battery costs and making financing easier. 

  • Infrastructure Deficit: Despite progress, the charging network is far short of what is needed. To achieve a ratio of 1:40 charging infra to EVs, India will need to install more than 400,000 chargers annually with a total of 1.32 million chargers till 2030. 

  • Critical Minerals Dependence: Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are largely imported. Without assured supply chains, battery manufacturing targets could falter. 

  • Grid and Renewable Integration: A surge in EVs could stress local grids. Unless charging is synchronised with renewable energy expansion, emissions may only shift from tailpipes to power plants. 

  • Regional Disparities: NITI Aayog’s India Electric Mobility Index (2025) shows Delhi and Maharashtra as leaders, but several states are still in the “aspirant” category, reflecting uneven readiness. 

 Way Forward:  

  • Stable and phased subsidies until economies of scale bring down costs. 

  • Public–private partnerships for dense charging networks, especially along highways. 

  • Critical minerals strategy, including overseas sourcing and domestic recycling of batteries. 

  • Integrating EV policy with renewable targets, ensuring ‘green charging.’ 

  • State-specific roadmaps with differential support, so laggard states can catch up. 

 Conclusion:  

  • India’s green mobility push has transformed the EV landscape from aspiration to reality. However, achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030 requires addressing infrastructure gaps, cost barriers, and supply chain vulnerabilities. A coordinated approach is vital to ensure that India’s mobility revolution aligns with its climate goals and economic aspirations.