Communities that encourage electric vehicles take an important step toward a clean energy future. By developing an installed base of electric transportation, just like adopting a minimum standard for renewable energy in the electric grid, Colorado builds momentum towards a future where clean, domestically produced renewable energy reliably meets society’s needs and drives employment here at home.

The strategy is in marked contrast to the approach of most countries including the US, Japan and China, which have earmarked billions of dollars in subsidies for electric vehicles and have advised India against schemes that aren’t funded this way. India, however, is forging ahead with its contrarian strategy that will start with public transport in the first phase, said the official cited above.

Create an agency or jurisdiction fleet policy that commits to purchase alternative fuel vehicles whenever they meet fleet requirements. Alternative fuel vehicles cost more upfront, but have lower fuel costs, and often lower maintenance costs, over the vehicle lifetime.

Indian Institute of Technology-Madras professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala will spearhead the programme. While Indian manufacturers are keen on being part of the initiative, most of the overseas ones favour hybrid technology, said the official cited above.

Two-wheelers, three-wheelers and non-air-conditioned city buses made by automobile companies in India will be sold without batteries as part of the plan, thus slashing prices by as much as 70%. The batteries will be leased at a specified cost and can be swiftly swapped with recharged ones at stations, he said.

“The private vehicles will be the last lap of the scheme. We expect the programme to start scaling in three years. The programme is in the final stages of drafting.