Group Discussion Synopsis

Topic: Electric vehicles in India

Why this discussion?

Pollution levels have been on the rise and related issues like health problems and climate change
have aggravated. The government has mandated moving to BS VI emission standards directly from
BS IV and the next step being introduction of electric vehicles in India.

India specific points:

1. Do we have the infrastructure (in terms of technology, manufacturing setup, charging points
etc.) for introduction of electric vehicles en-masse?
2. Although the government is keen on introducing EVs, will it sustain the political will to see its
successful and sustainable implementation?
3. Will tax benefits and subsidies provided by the government outweigh the high costs of
electric vehicles?
4. Will EVs actually solve the pollution problem if they are plugged into grids that are working
on coal powered grids?
5. Is battery technology mature enough to provide reliable transportation?
6. Batteries which are the most vital cog in the EV machinery will pose a huge problem of waste
disposal. They will contain large quantities of toxic heavy metals. Are we equipped to handle
them safely?
7. Demand for vehicles have declined in the recent past and in such a scenario how will we sell
the generally costlier EVs?
8. Steps should be taken to ensure the EVs should run on solar and other form of renewable
energy. How will we be able to achieve this?

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