5-10% EV Conversion Can Save Up To 36 MT of CO2 Emissions By 2030 In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of the e-mobility revolution.
In fact, it is among the first few states that announced an electric vehicle policy in year 2019. Attractive
industry focused incentives and schemes have ensured that nearly 35% of all investments in e-mobility in India have happened in the state. While the e-mobility industry is growing well, the sales of electric
vehicles could do with a boost.

EV- The Route to Curbing Carbon Emissions 

In 2021, Tamil Nadu had the third highest registered EVs in the country, but by August 2022, it had slipped to the sixth position, as per data. As the state aims to release a revised EV policy, a new report by Climate Trends, a research-based consulting and capacity building initiative, makes a strong case for why the policy should also focus on increasing the number of EVs on its roads. The study shows that by 2030, if Tamil Nadu can convert 5 – 10 percent of its two, three and four wheelers to electric, it could save between 36 – 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions.

The study, “Carbon emission savings in Tamil Nadu’s road transport by 2030 through electrification”
considers two target scenarios. If 5% of all vehicle sales till 2030 are converted to electric, Tamil Nadu
can save 36.53 million tonnes of carbon emissions. As per this target, Tamil Nadu can have close to 35.9
lakh EVs on road. If 10% of newly registered vehicles between 2022 -2030 are converted to electric, Tamil Nadu can save 38.76 million tonnes of carbon emissions. As per this target, Tamil Nadu could have close to 38.6 lakh EVs on road.

“Reducing emissions from transport and making that happen through electrification will play a very
significant role in India’s road to net zero emissions. To make this real, action will need to be at the state
level. Tamil Nadu is already a leader in installed renewable energy capacity in the country through
progressive policies and schemes. It is also the hub for automobile companies. A targeted approach to
transport electrification, through investments, policies and government attention will have a major
contribution towards reduction in carbon emissions for the state,” says Aarti Khosla, Director, Climate
Trends.

According to NITI Aayog, even with electricity production taken into account, an average electric vehicle
emits three times less carbon dioxide than its petrol or diesel counterparts. From an energy efficiency
perspective, which the Tamil Nadu Climate Action Plan focuses upon as well, electric vehicles can convert around 60% of the electrical energy from the grid to power its wheels. A petrol or diesel vehicle,
however, converts only 17-21% of the fuel stored to energy required to power movement. Given India’s
ambition to achieve 40 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based
energy resources by the year 2030, the time has come to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.
Tamil Nadu, which has been vocal in its concern for the environment and results of climate change, once
again has the opportunity today to lead this revolution and show the country a roadmap toward
switching to e-mobility.