In Short : A TERI study finds that switching to electric vehicles in 44 Indian cities could cut 61 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2035 and save ₹9.17 lakh crore in oil imports. The shift would also create 3.7 lakh jobs and conserve 51 billion litres of fuel. However, success requires major investments in charging stations and vehicle scrapping facilities.
In Detail : A recent study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlights the immense environmental and economic benefits of transitioning to electric vehicles across 44 Indian cities with populations over one million. The study estimates that by 2035, switching entirely to EVs in these cities could slash greenhouse gas emissions by 61 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions, the transition is expected to significantly curb air pollution by cutting down 11.5 tonnes of PM2.5 emissions daily. This improvement in air quality would have major public health benefits, helping to address one of the most critical urban challenges in India today.
The shift to electric vehicles is also projected to deliver substantial economic advantages. According to TERI, India could save around ₹9.17 lakh crore, or USD 106.6 billion, in oil import costs by 2035. This transition would also lead to the conservation of more than 51 billion litres of fossil fuels, supporting the country’s energy security goals.
The move towards electric mobility is likely to stimulate job creation, with estimates suggesting around 3.7 lakh new jobs in the EV and renewable energy sectors. However, the transition requires extensive infrastructure development, including over 45,000 public charging stations and 130 scrapping facilities across the identified cities.
TERI’s study also explored alternative scenarios, including a balanced model combining electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. While a mixed strategy could still lower PM2.5 emissions significantly, it would result in smaller economic gains and fewer employment opportunities compared to a full EV shift.
Overall, the findings reinforce the need for a comprehensive transition to electric mobility. Achieving these targets will demand coordinated efforts from policymakers, industry players, and urban planners. With the right investments and regulatory support, India’s major cities can become cleaner, greener, and more economically resilient.
