For a long time, electric vehicles (EVs) have been considered the long-term solution for sustainable mobility in the overall global market. The transition to battery-powered mobility has been a point of contention for the global automotive industry and seems inevitable. World EV Day is more than just a celebration of renewable energy vehicles; It is an opportunity to think outside the box and embrace a future where technology and sustainability merge in innovative ways. World EV Day 2024 with the theme 'Let’s drive change, together’ starts a global movement that sparks change by focusing on the transformative potential of battery electric vehicles for a sustainable future. Let's think about the impact EVs will have and dream big about the changes they will bring to many aspects of our lives.

Here's to a future where every journey leads to a better, more connected world.

Zero Tailpipe Emissions - The Ripple Effect

The main advantage of EVs is their zero tailpipe emissions, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. EVs represent progress in adapting cleaner energy sources while reducing carbon emissions and redefining the way we approach energy consumption.

Now, the “Are EVs green?” debate is pushing many major players in the industry to rethink energy sources and work on more practical solutions, even in the manufacture of electric vehicle components. This is something of a ripple effect, benefiting the global warming crisis beyond its initial impact. This effect is widely seen in the construction of electric vehicle charging stations powered by solar energy. Efforts are being made to make these facilities more reliable and easier to adapt. This is a small but important step in mankind's long journey of reducing the damage done to the planet through the consumption of fossil fuels.

Smart Cities

EVs are efficient, smart, and innovative - imagine a city where EV charging stations are already part of the city plan. Charging stations are built smart with seamless integration of technology to reduce human interference and save time and money.

For example, one can reserve a charging spot through an online app like the Volt app, check the nearest charging station online, and easily pay for a charging slot through the app. Electric vehicle owners are nothing short of pioneers in the movement toward a greener planet. They are adapting a broader approach and helping to reduce the damage done to the planet over the years by the excessive use of vehicles running on fossil fuels. Owners are part of an EV community that is ready to embrace a better commuting experience while helping to save the planet. Sharing their knowledge and experience goes beyond their riding habits and serves the community.

Industry Voices

Santosh Singh, EVP and Global Head – Marketing and Business Excellence, Tata Technologies, says, "Tata Technologies is at the forefront of the EV revolution, delivering end-to-end turnkey vehicle development solutions and accelerators that help OEMs launch competitive products and win in the marketplace.  Whether it is about collaborating with a Southeast Asian OEM to develop an end-to-end EV within 22 months or transforming a legacy manufacturing facility to a smart manufacturing facility within nine months, we partner with global OEMs to help them launch sustainable products and ensure a better, greener future for all."

Veer Singh, CEO, Lord’s Automative Pvt. Ltd says, “World EV Day serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of electric vehicles (EVs) in shaping a sustainable future. As the global EV fleet continues to grow at a remarkable pace, it is clear that electric mobility is no longer a niche, but a movement driving significant environmental and economic change. The shift to EVs presents a critical opportunity to reduce global carbon emissions, with road transport responsible for 75 percent of transportation-related CO2 output. Electric vehicles can cut these emissions in half over their lifetime, contributing to the global push towards climate goals.”

“Moreover, the rapid advancements in battery technology and charging infrastructure are addressing consumer concerns like range anxiety and affordability, making EVs a more accessible choice for millions. The collaboration between governments, automotive manufacturers, and tech companies has been pivotal in driving this progress. India, with its ambitious target of electrifying 30 percent of its vehicle fleet by 2030, is a key player in this transition. The commitment to building a comprehensive EV ecosystem underscores the country's role in the global EV revolution," says Veer Singh.

"On this World EV Day, we not only celebrate the progress made but reaffirm our dedication to accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles, ensuring a cleaner, greener future for all,” adds Veer Singh.

 

Manu Saxena, Senior Vice President, EV Business, TVS Motor Company, “World EV Day is a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and the exciting future that lies ahead in green mobility. India is poised to lead the world in electric vehicle innovation, driven by our strides toward ‘atmanirbhar’ design, engineering, and supply chain excellence. This day celebrates India’s growing prowess in creating world-class EVs that set new standards in performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. At TVS Motor Company, we are proud to be at the forefront of this global shift. Our extensive expertise in the EV ecosystem, spanning battery manufacturing, advanced management systems, and innovative technology, positions us uniquely to drive this transformation. TVS iQube and TVS X embody our commitment to blending cutting-edge innovation with superior engineering.”

“Support from government initiatives such as FAME and EMPS is vital in fostering the EV sector’s growth. Coupled with the expanding charging infrastructure and strategic global reach, India is ready to emerge as a leading hub for electric two-wheeler exports. Together with our industry peers, we are shaping a future where electric vehicles redefine transportation and cement India’s leadership in the global mobility revolution,” adds Manu.

Vikram Pawah, President and CEO, BMW Group India says, “The Indian luxury electric market is still at a nascent stage but has immense potential. There is a lot of opportunity and headroom to grow and we are confident that the story of growth will be transformational. BMW Group India is the leader in the electric luxury segment since 2022 thanks to the largest electric portfolio and development of one of the best fast charging networks in the luxury segment. With continued support from the government, widespread availability of products across different segments and a strong charging infrastructure, electric mobility adoption will increase significantly.”

Reimagine World EV Day as an Effort to Redefine Mobility

Smart electric vehicles are now more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. They have become a symbol of an enjoyable commute across a variety of landscapes. The popularity of electric vehicles is no longer limited to two-wheelers but has adapted to a wide range of vehicles, including electric three-wheelers, electric four-wheelers, trucks, and many others. Imagine a world where electric vehicles are not just vehicles, but flexible spaces that evolve to meet our needs and desires. Electric trucks and other large EVs will play a key role in reducing emissions in logistics and freight transportation and driving the shift to cleaner, smarter transportation.

The Indian government has been a strong supporter of this transition for the past decade, with Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Transport and Highways, at the center of the movement.  This growth will be driven by factors such as the growing affordability of EVs, government-supported incentives, and the growing trend among consumers to embrace environmentally friendly alternative modes of transportation.