India's Struggle to Replace Its Older Fleet of Vehicles: Scrapped in Theory, Fought in Practice

The prospect of India weeding out its older fleet of vehicles has been on the horizon for some time, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The government has implemented policies designed to encourage the scrappage of older vehicles and the adoption of newer, cleaner ones. However, the successful execution of these plans is subject to significant doubt given the inherent cultural preferences and the tenaciously resistant nature of the public towards policy changes.

Current Scrapping Policy and Its Challenges

The government has introduced a green tax on vehicles during their regular maintenance checks. This tax is set to increase by eight times, which is expected to force vehicle owners to acquire newer, more environmentally friendly vehicles. However, the implementation of this policy is met with skepticism. For one, there is a strong cultural affinity among Indians for keeping old and antique items. The concept of discarding old vehicles is particularly challenging to instill, as it goes against thousands of years of cultural practices.

Moreover, the public is known for defying government policies, often leading to spirited resistance. Should the scrappage policy be enforced, we might see mass protests akin to the sahajanand Bagh and Singhu border agitations of the past. This indicates that the actual effect of such policies may be limited, and the government faces a significant uphill battle.

Renewed Focus on Electric Vehicles

In an effort to transition to electric vehicles (EVs), the government plans to discourage the use of internal combustion engine (IC) vehicles and promote EV adoption. However, the arguments in favor of this move are lacking. Firstly, EVs come with a hefty price tag, making them unfeasible for the average Indian consumer. Secondly, there is a glaring lack of infrastructure for maintaining and charging EVs. The infrastructure required for routine charging services is either non-existent or insufficient. The situation is further complicated by the inadequacy of the country's power generation and supply systems.

The Current State of Charging Infrastructure in India

Several years ago, a representative from Volkswagen, a major automaker, stated that they had no plans to introduce EVs in India. He pointed out that even in Germany, a country with 65,000 charging stations, the infrastructure was seen as inadequate. Considering the current state of infrastructure in India, the challenges are exponentially greater. This infrastructure gap is likely to make it difficult for EVs to gain traction, as stranded drivers would face significant inconveniences.

Technical Limitations of Electric Vehicles

The current battery technology used in EVs means that the best quoted mileage is approximately 400 kilometers per full charge under ideal conditions. In real-world scenarios, such as during highway travel or navigating city traffic, the mileage can drop significantly. This means that an EV or e-scooter is not a reliable or practical option for routine travel at present.

Conclusion: A Road Ahead Laden with Obstacles

While India has ambitious plans to improve its vehicle fleet and reduce environmental impact, the current policies face numerous challenges that could hinder their success. The cultural resistance to discarding old vehicles, combined with the technical and infrastructural limitations of EV adoption, make the journey ahead arduous. The government's efforts will require significant public support and a more robust infrastructure to achieve their goals.