Analyzing the effectiveness of electric vehicle policy approaches in India: a case study of the RAAHI programme in Amritsar

Student name: Ms Chris Teresa Varghese
Guide: Dr Gopal Sarangi
Year of completion: 2023
Host Organisation: Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Aravind Harikumar

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Abstract:

Despite the clear socio-economic and environmental benefits of e-autorickshaws, their slow uptake points to the existence of certain barriers that are delaying this transition. Currently, In India E-3Ws accounted for only 6% of the total 3W registered. If India is to keep with NITI Aayog’s prediction of electrification of 80% of its 3W fleet by 2030, we must evaluate India’s EV transition and its policy approach to identify what more needs to be done. The purpose of this research is two-fold – a) to identify the barriers impeding the transition to e-autorickshaws in Amritsar b) to understand the policy instruments adopted for the formulation and implementation of RAAHI and the resultant policy gaps. Such an assessment allows us to evaluate the need for and propose newer and better policy approaches that address the challenges to EV transition in a more holistic manner.

Keywords: e-auto, e-3 wheeler, autorickshaw, electric autorickshaw, electric vehicle, electric transition, Amritsar, RAAHI, policy, soft policy instruments, diesel auto