Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.
6. Electric vehicles (EVs) must focus on long-term, concerted, unidirectional effort to ensure this sector is self-reliant and a gets the country closer to the eventuality of being a net-zero emissions economy. Discuss. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express , Insights on India
Why the question:
Spurred by steadily rising demand and proactive government incentives, India’s electric vehicle (EV) industry has shown exponential growth in the past two years. Domestic four-wheeler EV sales in 2022-23 are set to cross the 60-65,000 mark.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the impact of shifting to electric vehicles on the environment, economy and measures needed to do so.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by giving context.
Body:
Mention the impact the EV can have on India economically in terms of reducing dependence on crude oil and reduced import bill and improved domestic energy independence.
Write about the environmental benefits of shift to EV – Give facts and figures relation to vehicular emission in India, the impact of it and how shifting to EV can be environmentally advantageous as well as sustainable in the long run.
Next, Examine the various measures taken in this regard so far such as FAME-I, FAME-II, Developing domestic battery manufacturing capacity, mining for Lithium and Cobalt etc, Niti Aayog’s recent draft policy.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward to ensure maximisation of potential benefits.
