Little time to adapt, loss of livelihood: Auto industry opposes proposed two-wheeler ban, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• The Delhi government plans to ban the sale of new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) two-wheelers from April 2028 under the proposed Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0.
• SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) and other stakeholders oppose the ban, citing potential disruption to the livelihoods of approximately 65% of two-wheeler buyers.

Detailed Insights:

• The proposed Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0 aims to permit only electric two-wheelers for new registrations in Delhi from April 2028, and CNG autorickshaws from January 2027.
• Stakeholders argue that a ban on ICE vehicles could negatively impact approximately 300 independent workshops and 10,000 mechanics in Delhi-NCR, who may struggle to adapt to EV technology.
• The industry emphasizes that EV batteries still lag behind Chinese manufacturers in terms of performance and safety, despite significant investments in domestic battery production.
• Concerns are raised about the environmental benefits of EV adoption, given that around 71% of India's electricity is generated from coal-based power plants.
• A forced shift to EVs without a robust local supply ecosystem could reduce 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) in the automotive sector.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): An engine that generates power by burning fuel inside the engine.
• Electric Vehicle (EV): A vehicle that uses an electric motor for propulsion, powered by batteries.
• Atmanirbharta: Indian government policy for promoting self-reliance through domestic production.