Context: Urbanisation & Pollution Challenge
- By 2050, ~70% of people in developing countries will live in urban areas → higher demand for clean public transport.
- In India, PM2.5 pollution caused ~30,000 deaths annually (2008–2019) in 10 major cities.
- Highest in Mumbai (5,100), followed by Kolkata (4,678) and Chennai (2,870).
Relevance : GS 1(Society, Urbanisation),GS 3((Technology)
Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Global EV count reached 40 million in 2023 (35% rise from 2022).
- Dominated by battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
- Majority of EV sales:
- China (over 50%)
- Europe and the U.S. follow.
BEVs vs. FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles)
Fuel Cell Advantages:
- Faster refuelling (5–15 minutes).
- Longer range and better for extreme climates or terrain.
- Lighter weight due to high energy density.
Current Status:
- FCEVs = 93,000 units globally (1 for every 330 BEVs).
- High upfront cost: 20–30% more expensive than BEVs.
- Prices of FCEVs and BEVs expected to converge by 2030.
Operational Costs Comparison (per km):
- Diesel bus: $0.27
- Electric bus: $0.17 (cheapest)
- Blue hydrogen bus: $0.84
- Green hydrogen bus: $0.91
➡ Hydrogen vehicles remain economically unviable for now.
India’s EV Landscape (2023):
- EVs = 5% of total vehicle sales.
- Electric cars: 80,000 units (70% YoY growth).
- Three-wheelers:
- India leads globally (0.58 million units), surpassing China.
- India = 60% of global electric 3-wheeler sales.
- Two-wheelers:
- India = second-largest market (0.88 million units).
- China leads with 6 million units.
- China, India, ASEAN dominate >95% of global e-2W and e-3W market.
Key Takeaway
- Battery electric vehicles are currently more cost-effective and widely adopted.
- Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have niche advantages but remain costly to operate and rare.
- India’s growth is strongest in electric 2- and 3-wheelers, aligning with urban mobility needs.
