
Every year globally, 5th June is celebrated as the ‘World Environment Day’ with a particular theme. The practice was initiated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1973. It is the largest international event focused on the environment, coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
This year the theme of the very day is “Our Land, Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration.” The hashtag emphasizes the importance of restoring land, combating desertification and enhancing resilience to drought.
The traditional mode of road transportation is one of the major sources of environmental problems, like: air pollution, water pollution, sound pollution, thermal pollution etc. Especially, the Indian road transport sector is accountable for almost 12% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Thus, obviously, the sooner the complete transformation happens, the better it is for the environment. It’s a good sign that our adoption of electric vehicles is increasing at a good pace.
Indian government had taken several measures like FAME 1, FAME 2 etc., for faster adoption and manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India. Although still there are several challenges, now the industry has started growing on its own.
With this backdrop, let us now see how our Indian EV industry is shaping up to tackle the challenge of climate deterioration. I will hereafter present a few views of the thought leaders from the Indian (mostly start-up) EV and its ancillary industries – on the World Environment Day.
Shift to EVs is crucial in decreasing the levels of greenhouse gases
Godawari Electric Motors is the pioneer manufacturer of electric vehicles in Central India. They manufacture Electric Auto L5M, Electric Scooters, Electric Cycles, Electric Cargo, Electric Rickshaws under the brand name ‘eblu’.
Expressing their outlook, Hyder Khan, CEO, Godawari Electric Motors, said, “The transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs) plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, drastically reducing air pollutants compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This shift is crucial in decreasing the levels of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to global warming. Additionally, EVs align with renewable energy sources, further amplifying their positive environmental impact. When powered by electricity from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro, EVs can achieve near-zero emissions throughout their lifecycle. This integration supports global efforts to transition towards a more sustainable energy ecosystem.
Hyder Khan
CEO, Godawari Electric Motors
At Godawari Electric Motors, we are committed to driving this transformation by producing efficient and affordable electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers. Our goal is to provide eco-friendly transportation options that contribute to cleaner air and a healthier planet, while also addressing the mobility needs of a growing population. Together, we can pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future. World Environment Day holds significant importance for the EV industry. It serves as a global platform to highlight the urgent need for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, aligning perfectly with the core values and mission of the EV industry. This day emphasizes EVs’ critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, combating air pollution and mitigating climate change.
For companies like us, World Environment Day is an opportunity to showcase our commitment to creating a greener future through innovative electric mobility solutions. It allows us to engage with consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of EVs, such as reduced carbon footprints and decreased reliance on fossil fuels. Moreover, this day provides a platform to discuss advancements in EV technology, share success stories, and promote the adoption of EVs. By highlighting our efforts and the positive impact of EVs on the environment, we can inspire collective action towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation landscape.”
Commitment to advance EV technology and infrastructure
Delta Electronics India is an energy management company. It operates in three business categories: Power Electronics, Automation and Infrastructure.
Revealing their mission, Manjula Girish, Business Head – EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter Division, Delta Electronics India, said, “Electric Vehicles (EVs) are a transformative force in the fight against climate change. By significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional combustion engines, EVs play a critical role in mitigating global warming. At Delta Electronics India, we are committed to advancing EV technology and infrastructure, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Our innovations in EV charging solutions are designed to support the widespread adoption of electric mobility, further reducing our carbon footprint and fostering a healthier planet.
Manjula Girish
Business Head – EV Charging and Photovoltaic Inverter Division, Delta Electronics India
World Environment Day serves as a critical platform for the EV industry to showcase its commitment to a sustainable future. As the mission of the EV industry synchronizes with the mission of World Environment Day attributing to sustainability, emission reduction and climate change, it’s a day to celebrate the progress we have made in electrifying transportation and highlight the positive impact EVs can have on our planet. At Delta Electronics India, we see World Environment Day as an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire action, and accelerate the transition towards cleaner transportation solutions.”
Playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change
Zypp Electric India is leading the tech-enabled EV-as-a-Service platform. The company was founded in 2017 with a Mission Zero Emission and to make India carbon-free by using an ecosystem of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and EV-based technology – to make last mile logistics sustainable and emission free.
Describing their activities, Akash Gupta, Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric, said, “Electric Vehicles (EVs) have a transformative impact on climate change, and Zypp Electric is leading this change in India. As the country’s premier tech-enabled EV-as-a-Service platform, we are committed to achieving zero emissions and creating a carbon-free India. Our ecosystem of IoT and AI-enabled electric scooters, combined with strategically placed battery swapping stations, ensures efficient, low-maintenance, and high-performance last-mile delivery. This sustainable model not only lowers delivery costs but also significantly reduces urban pollution. With over 20,000 EVs and delivery pilots, we deliver packages in a manner that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective. By replacing traditional fuel-based vehicles, we are cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions and making cities cleaner and healthier. Through our innovative solutions, Zypp Electric is playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and driving a greener future.
Akash Gupta
Co-Founder and CEO, Zypp Electric
At Zypp Electric, World Environment Day isn’t just a celebration – it’s a call to action for the EV industry. Transportation is a major source of pollution, and EVs are the key to a cleaner future. This day highlights the urgency of tackling climate change. For the EV industry, it’s a chance to showcase the transformative power of electric mobility. We can raise awareness about the environmental benefits of EVs – reduced emissions, cleaner air, and quieter cities. World Environment Day also unites stakeholders – policymakers, businesses and citizens. It’s an opportunity to collaborate on building a robust EV ecosystem – from charging infrastructure to battery recycling. We are proud to be at the forefront of this revolution. Our sustainable last-mile delivery solutions demonstrate the positive
impact EVs can have. On World Environment Day, let’s reiterate our commitment to a greener future, one electric mile at a time.”
Conclusion
World Environment Day 2024 has created an encouraging platform for the Indian EV and allied manufacturers. They are quite enthusiastic about using this opportunity to build awareness among the Indian citizens – and revamp their activities to liberate India from the menace of Green House Gases (GHGs) originating from the road transport sector.
By P. K. Chatterjee (PK)
