EVs Beat ICE Vehicles In India Too, Asserts IIT Madras Study

In a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Centre for Excellence in Energy and Telecommunications (CEET) at IIT Madras, it has been conclusively demonstrated that battery electric vehicles (BEVs) significantly outperform petrol-powered internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) in reducing greenhouse gas emissions over their full lifecycle. This finding holds true even under India’s current grid conditions, which still heavily rely on thermal power.

Context of the Study

The study comes at a critical time for India, where air quality has been a pressing issue. Recent analyses reveal that major cities in India have experienced unhealthy to hazardous air quality for over a decade, with none meeting safe air quality index (AQI) standards between 2015 and November 2025. Delhi, in particular, has remained the most polluted city throughout this assessment period.

Study Overview

Titled “The March Towards Zero-Emission Transport: To Preserve Life on Earth by Eliminating Fossil Fuels and GHG Emissions,” the study was led by Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a pioneer in promoting EV adoption in India. Dr. Jhunjhunwala has been instrumental in incubating startups and promoting innovations that aim to make EVs more affordable and reduce India’s dependence on oil imports.

Key Findings

The study employs a dynamic model that accounts for evolving scenarios of increasing renewable energy integration and enhanced recycling rates. It examines the entire lifecycle of vehicles from raw material extraction through manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life disposal over a standardized lifespan of 300,000 kilometers.

Operational Emissions

According to the study, an ICEV emits approximately 53.84 tons of CO2 equivalent over 300,000 kilometers, compared to just 33 tons for a BEV, given India’s current grid, which has 28% renewable energy. If the grid were to transition to fully renewable electricity, the operational emissions for BEVs would drop to a negligible 0.03 tons, highlighting the significant environmental impact of ICEVs during operation.

Manufacturing Emissions

The study also examined manufacturing emissions. Without the use of renewable energy or recycling, ICEV manufacturing emits 8.66 tons of CO2 equivalent, while BEVs emit 9.66 tons. However, with 100% renewable energy and recycling, these figures drop dramatically to 2.89 tons for ICEVs and 2.54 tons for BEVs, giving BEVs a clear advantage in manufacturing emissions as well.

Energy Efficiency

BEVs convert approximately 90% of electricity into traction energy, compared to less than 25% for petrol engines. This inherent efficiency advantage further reduces overall energy demand and associated emissions, reinforcing the argument for transitioning to electric vehicles.

Implications of the Study

Dr. Jhunjhunwala emphasized the urgency of the findings, stating, “This study arrives at a moment when India can no longer afford to delay decisive action on transportation emissions. Our cities are choking, and our citizens are suffering health consequences.” The report concludes that BEVs are not just marginally better than petrol vehicles; they are decisively superior in reducing greenhouse gas emissions even with the current electricity mix.

Key Insights and Recommendations

The findings of the study highlight a dual-action strategy for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and policymakers. This strategy includes:

Prioritizing grid decarbonization.
Investing in circular battery ecosystems.

Together, these approaches establish BEVs as the most viable solution for phasing out ICEVs and significantly reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Future Projections

The report projects that by 2040, advanced recycling methods could recover up to 95% of key materials and cut manufacturing emissions by 30-40%. In contrast, ICEVs are fundamentally constrained by their carbon-intensive combustion process, with about 80% of their lifecycle emissions occurring during operation.

Furthermore, the shift to EVs is expected to drive a 20-30% increase in renewable electricity generation by 2035, thereby strengthening the case for grid decarbonization. The growing need to manage battery waste is also accelerating innovation in recycling and reuse, fostering a circular economy for critical minerals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the IIT Madras study provides compelling evidence that battery electric vehicles represent a fundamental shift toward a sustainable future. Unlike petrol vehicles, which are locked into fossil fuel dependence, EVs improve with every megawatt of renewable energy added to the grid and every advancement in battery recycling. The choice is clear: EVs offer a pathway to near-zero emissions, while petrol vehicles offer at most incremental improvements to an inherently polluting technology.

Note: The findings of this study underscore the importance of adopting BEVs, greening electricity, and implementing full recycling to effectively address global warming.

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