The Government of India introduced the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020 in 2013 with the goal of achieving national fuel security by encouraging electric and hybrid vehicles. The government aims to sell 6-7 million electric and hybrid vehicles in India by 2020 as part of its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). The government intends to provide fiscal and monetary incentives to jumpstart this emerging technology. The government intends to provide monetary incentives to buyers who purchase these hybrid and electric vehicles. This article will explain to you about the National Mission For Electric Mobility which will be helpful in preparing the Environment Syllabus for the UPSC Civil Service exam.

National Mission For Electric Mobility - Significance

• In order to assist the NMEM objectives be met, the NEMMP 2020 lays out the vision and a plan for attaining considerable penetration of effective and environmentally friendly electric vehicle (including hybrid) technologies in India by 2020.
• The implementation of NEMMP 2020 will need the completion and implementation of a wide range of interventions involving all stakeholders, both inside and outside of the government.
• It aims to establish a framework for promoting the adoption of the full range of electric mobility solutions for India.
• This plan can help improve national fuel security, offer reasonably priced and environmentally friendly transportation, and help the Indian automotive industry take the lead in global manufacturing.
• The NEMMP 2020 will serve as the foundation for all future government initiatives, schemes, policies, and other interventions related to electric mobility.
• It will also help shape the industry's future priorities.
• The NEMMP 2020 is expected to include a mechanism for ongoing review, monitoring, and mid-course corrections.

FAME Programme

• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India, or FAME India, is a programme managed by the Department of Heavy Industry.
• The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) Electric Vehicles (FAME India) scheme was introduced by the government as part of the NEMMP.
• The initial investment for this plan was 75 crore rupees.
• This plan is anticipated to give early adoption of electric and hybrid technologies a significant boost.
• In order to assist India move closer to a pollution-free environment, the government expects that these vehicles will gradually replace conventional automobiles and become people' first and natural choice.
• The Phase-I of this Scheme was initially launched for a period of two years, beginning on April 1, 2015, and was subsequently extended from time to time.
• The FAME India Scheme's first phase was implemented through four focus areas: (i) demand creation, (ii) technology platform, (iii) pilot project, and (iv) charging infrastructure.
• Market creation through demand incentives was intended to incentivize all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, autos, passenger four-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and buses.
• Buyers of electric and hybrid vehicles (xEV) received a demand incentive in the form of an upfront reduced purchase price to encourage wider adoption.
• Grants were also approved for specific projects under the scheme's Pilot Projects, R&D/Technology Development, and Public Charging Infrastructure components.
  • Approximately 2.78 lakh xEVs were supported in the first phase of the scheme, with a total demand incentive of Rs. 343 crore (approx).
  • Furthermore, 465 buses were approved for various cities/states under this scheme.
• Based on the lessons learned in Phase I of the FAME India Scheme, it has been determined that a sufficient number of charging infrastructure is required to achieve the desired outcome of the plan, which is currently being addressed in Phase II of the FAME Scheme.
• By 2020, the government hopes that domestic production, early market development through demand incentives, and in-house technology development would assist this sector achieve self-sufficient economies of scale.
• The government intends to use financial assistance to encourage consumers to purchase hybrid and electric automobiles.
• In accordance with this plan, the government will pay the vehicle manufacturer for any price reductions made by the manufacturer while the car is being sold to consumers.

Initiative Taken by Government to Promote Electric Mobility

• The rates of GST on electric vehicles have been kept in the lower bracket of 12 percent (with no Cess) under the new GST regime, as opposed to the 28 percent GST rate with Cess up to 22 percent for conventional vehicles.
• The Ministry of Power has permitted the sale of electricity as a "service" for charging electric vehicles. This would provide a significant incentive to invest in charging infrastructure.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a notification regarding permit exemptions for battery-powered vehicles.
• Expressions of Interest (EoI) for the deployment of 5000 electric buses by state transportation departments/entities, etc.
• In India, a tax break has been announced on the loan amount taken for the purchase of an electric vehicle.

National Mission For Electric Mobility - Barriers

• Higher electric vehicle costs, battery technical challenges, consumer attitude, and insufficient government backing.
• The goal is to remove these impediments by government intervention/support, the use of a mission mode approach for quick decision making, and assuring collaboration among many stakeholders.
• The NCEM will be the Government of India's apex body for providing recommendations in these subjects.

Conclusion

The National Electric Mobility Mission Plan 2020 (NEMMP 2020) is intended to provide a future roadmap, establish a common set of priorities, broad principles, and a framework for promoting the adoption of a full range of electric mobility solutions for India, which can improve national fuel security, provide affordable and environmentally friendly transportation, and enable India's automotive industry to achieve global manufacturing leadership.

FAQs

MCQs

1. When was the National Mission for Electric Mobility (NEMM) launched in India?

A) 2010

B) 2012

C) 2013

D) 2015

2. Which of the following is NOT a component of the National Mission for Electric Mobility (NEMM)?

A) Promoting the adoption of electric vehicles

B) Providing subsidies for oil imports

C) Supporting the development of EV charging infrastructure

D) Encouraging research and development in electric vehicle technology

3. What is the main environmental benefit of the National Mission for Electric Mobility?

A) Reduction in air pollution

B) Increase in fossil fuel consumption

C) Overreliance on imported oil

D) Increase in urban traffic congestion

4. Which of the following is a key goal of the National Mission for Electric Mobility?

A) Boosting the production of petrol-based vehicles

B) Ensuring 100% electrification of all vehicles by 2025

C) Reducing the country’s dependency on imported oil through electric mobility

D) Providing free electricity to all electric vehicles

5. Which type of vehicles does the National Mission for Electric Mobility focus on?

A) Electric cars only

B) Electric buses only

C) Electric two-wheelers only

D) Electric cars, buses, and two-wheelers

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Critically analyze the role of the National Mission for Electric Mobility in addressing India’s energy security and climate change commitments.

Answer: The National Mission for Electric Mobility (NEMM) plays a crucial role in improving India’s energy security and addressing climate change. By promoting the use of electric vehicles (EVs), NEMM reduces India’s dependency on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy independence. The widespread adoption of EVs also contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, thus helping India meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, it supports the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, as EVs can be charged using green electricity. This holistic approach helps reduce pollution, improve public health, and foster a sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Q2: What are the challenges in the implementation of the National Mission for Electric Mobility in India, and how can they be overcome?

Answer: One of the major challenges faced by NEMM is the high initial cost of electric vehicles compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. This can be mitigated through government incentives, subsidies, and the promotion of indigenous EV manufacturing. Another challenge is the inadequate charging infrastructure, which can be addressed by expanding charging stations across urban and rural areas. Moreover, public awareness regarding the benefits of electric vehicles needs to be increased. The development of a robust supply chain for EV components and ensuring reliable power supply are also essential to the successful implementation of NEMM.

Q3: Discuss how the National Mission for Electric Mobility can contribute to sustainable urban mobility in India.

Answer: NEMM contributes to sustainable urban mobility by promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) that are cleaner and more energy-efficient than conventional vehicles. EVs help reduce air pollution, especially in densely populated urban centers, improving public health. The widespread use of EVs also supports the development of green transportation infrastructure, such as charging stations and battery swapping units, making cities more eco-friendly. Furthermore, the mission encourages the use of shared electric vehicles, which can alleviate traffic congestion, reduce parking space demand, and lower overall emissions in urban areas.

Previous Year Questions on NEMM

1. UPSC CSE 2020:

Question: How does the National Mission for Electric Mobility support the transition to sustainable transportation in India?

Answer: The National Mission for Electric Mobility promotes the use of electric vehicles (EVs), which helps reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, decrease carbon emissions, and improve air quality. The mission's focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and infrastructure development facilitates a transition towards sustainable transportation, thereby contributing to India's long-term climate and sustainability goals.

2. UPSC CSE 2019:

Question: What are the major benefits of electric mobility under the National Mission for Electric Mobility?

Answer: Electric mobility provides significant benefits, including reduced dependence on imported oil, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and a cleaner environment. It supports India’s energy security by integrating renewable energy sources for EV charging and creates job opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure development, and maintenance of electric vehicles and related services.