At COP26, India has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emission intensity of its GDP by 45% till 2030 (compared to 2005). Electric mobility is one of the central lines of action to decarbonise the transport sector. Switching to electric mobility could potentially save 64% of passenger-mobility related energy demand and 37% of CO2 emissions in the transport sector by 2030, with positive impacts on urban air pollution, and benefits for women, vulnerable groups and public transport users.

To achieve this commitment, the Indian government is aggressively promoting e-mobility. In response to new incentives and demand, private sector has actively increased its activities in India, including Swiss based ABB, Hess and Leclanché. Despite this favourable policy environment and strong commitments, Indian cities are insufficiently prepared for the introduction and roll out of e-mobility and associated environmental issues.

Authorities lack comprehensive integrated mobility plans based on critical data. Limited capacities related to the procurement and operation of e-buses, charging infrastructure and battery lifecycle management confine growth. There is a need for systematic efforts to link e-mobility to renewable energy and to integrate circular economy approaches including recycling of batteries.

·       Indian national Department of Heavy Industries

·       State/city level authorities (including municipal corporations, State Regional Transport Undertakings, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions)

·       Private sector (utilities, charging infrastructure providers)

·       Research institutes (Automotive Research Association of India, Indian Institutes of Technology)

·        Users of public transportation in the partner cities, particularly women and vulnerable sections of the population.

Expected results:  

·       Output 1: The transport-specific requirements for the use of e-mobility are identified.

·       Output 2: For selected e-vehicles (e.g. e-buses, e-rickshaws) strategies for a sufficient supply of increasingly renewable energy are developed.

Results from previous phases:  

·       scoping study conducted to define needs and priorities for intervention, including Swiss expertise and added value

·       intervention strategy finalized together with other donors and partner cities

·       GIZ received project approval from the Indian authorities

·        partner risk dialogue conducted with GIZ India

SDC: network and partner state/cities from CapaCITIES, CAP India and IHCAP projects and engagement with CALAC+ project.

Other GIZ projects: NDC-Transport Initiative Asia for regional exchange and BMZ-GIZ’-BOSCH’s PPP project to develop industry-led multi-stakeholder platform.

International organisations: KfW, AfD, CCAC, ICCT, IEA, World Bank, ADB, C40.