India’s Clean Mobility Push Demands Stronger Industry Action and Policy Alignment: IIT Report

India is at a critical juncture in its journey towards zero-emission mobility, as highlighted in a recent report by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. The report, titled The March Towards Zero-Emission Transport, emphasizes the urgent need for deeper industry action, policy alignment, and cross-sector coordination to meet the country’s climate goals.

Key Findings of the Report

Unveiled at the ETAuto EV Conclave 2025 by Ashok Jhunjhunwala, a professor at IIT Madras, the report outlines several crucial aspects of India’s transition to zero-emission transport:

• Decarbonisation Pathway: The report asserts that the auto industry must significantly enhance its commitments to electrification and green technologies to align with national climate objectives, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• CO₂ Emissions: Road transport contributes nearly 15% of India’s CO₂ emissions. Without aggressive interventions, emissions are projected to rise sharply in the coming decade.
• Consumer Behavior and Industry Preparedness: A detailed roadmap is outlined, focusing on shifts in consumer behavior, industry readiness, advancements in green technologies, and the establishment of supportive public policies.

Driving the Green Transition

The report emphasizes the need for rapid electrification, particularly in mass-market segments, which represent the majority of India’s vehicle population. Key recommendations include:

• Sustained Incentive Frameworks: Continued incentives are necessary to encourage the adoption of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, which are already gaining traction.
• Robust Charging Ecosystems: The development of effective battery-swapping and charging networks is crucial, especially for high-utilization fleets.
• Targeted Policy Pushes: Four-wheelers and commercial vehicles require specific policy interventions to address cost and infrastructure challenges.
• Electrification of Buses: Focusing on State Transport Undertakings (STUs) for electrifying buses can significantly reduce urban emissions and reliance on diesel.

Multi-Fuel Approach and Technological Innovations

The report identifies hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies as vital long-term enablers for heavy-duty mobility. However, it stresses the need for:

• Massive Green-Hydrogen Scaling: The scaling of green hydrogen production is essential for making these technologies commercially viable.
• Cost Reductions: Significant reductions in costs associated with hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies are necessary for widespread adoption.
• Safety Frameworks: Establishing robust safety protocols is crucial to ensure the safe deployment of these technologies.

Infrastructure Readiness

The report underscores the importance of infrastructure readiness for the successful transition to zero-emission mobility. Key points include:

• Rapid Deployment of Charging Points: A comprehensive network of charging stations must be established across highways, cities, industrial hubs, and logistics corridors.
• Intelligent Load Management: Implementing smart load management systems will facilitate the efficient use of energy resources.
• Renewable-Powered Charging: Integrating renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure is essential for sustainable electric vehicle (EV) integration.
• Grid Modernisation: Modernizing the energy grid is necessary to support the increasing demand for electric vehicles.

Conclusion: A Climate Imperative and Industrial Opportunity

India’s transition towards zero-emission mobility is not only a climate imperative but also represents a significant industrial opportunity. The auto sector, which is a cornerstone of manufacturing and employment, must decisively shift towards electrification, invest in clean technologies, and embrace a systems-level transformation. The report concludes that a coordinated effort among government, industry, and consumers will be pivotal in determining whether India can emerge as a global hub for clean mobility innovation.

Note: The full report is available for those interested in a comprehensive understanding of the recommendations and strategies outlined by IIT Madras.