Electric rickshaws on the streets of Delhi in 2010 proved to be the first milestone in the transformation of the Indian mobility industry. Today, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the mobility market by storm with their sustainable approach and alternative transport mode proposition. Driven by technological advancements and innovative solutions, the market is undergoing several changes. Looking at the future, we need to develop a mobility system that is eco-friendly, integrated, automated and personalised. Trends such as EVs, shared mobility and autonomy will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of the mobility industry in India.
We are heavily dependent on fossil fuel-powered private vehicles. As a result, issues such as congestion, pollution and lack of parking facilities hinder mobility. Growing population and increasing urbanisation are further burdening the existing mobility infrastructure. India must invest heavily in modernising its public transport systems, including extensive metro rail networks, high-speed trains and bus services that connect urban and rural areas and enable seamless mobility. To achieve this goal, the government must prioritise building smart, safe and strategic modes of transport. It is equally important to support this approach with clean energy infrastructure.
We are witnessing a gradual shift from conventional ICE vehicles powered by fossil fuels to greener options like EVs or hybrid vehicles. This shift is being facilitated across all vehicle segments, from two-wheelers and cars to buses and commercial vehicles. Today, when the transport industry contributes over 6% of India’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, electrification of mobility is a critical step to reduce carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels. The EV momentum we are seeing today is expected to accelerate in the future. Policies like FAME II, PLI schemes and state-wise programmes will help accelerate this shift and pave the way towards a sustainable mobility landscape.
India has set an ambitious target of achieving 30% EV penetration by 2030 and net-zero target by 2070; ~50% of global sales of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) are targeted to be zero-EVs by 2035. The government is making concerted efforts to promote the shift to green mobility by accelerating the adoption of EVs. To achieve these goals and facilitate India’s transition towards EV deployment, we need policy support from the central and state governments, infrastructure development, technology innovations, and increased consumer awareness.
Another trend we will see by 2035 is the rapid adoption of autonomous vehicles for public and private transport. This will increase safety, reduce congestion and improve the efficiency of mobility solutions. These cars, also known as self-driving cars, will be an integral part of the overall mobility landscape in times to come. With advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensor technology and the growing need for safer and more efficient transport solutions, autonomous vehicles will gain popularity. They will provide an effective solution to growing traffic congestion and improve transport efficiency. In fact, we also expect to see Electric Autonomous Vehicles (AV-E) transforming the mobility landscape. Offering the benefits of both EV and autonomous technology, these vehicles will be a more efficient and sustainable transport option in the future. AV-E will increase safety on the road and reduce traffic congestion by reducing human error, which is the main cause of 94% of accidents and will make commuting faster.
To overcome the current challenges facing the mobility industry in India, we need to establish a robust shared mobility infrastructure. This will drive the shift from the ownership model of private vehicles to the usership of shared vehicle options. The expansion of ride-sharing, carpooling, and bike-sharing services supported by technology platforms can provide convenient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly commuting options.
With technological advancements, the mobility industry will use big data, AI, and predictive analytics to optimize traffic flows, manage transportation networks efficiently, and personalize traveller experiences. Also, Mobility as a Service (MaaS) is a relatively new concept in India. However, with government support, it can become a significant part of the mobility industry. We will see the market expanding rapidly in the future as India utilizes its technological potential and integrated mobility solutions. This will gain momentum as it will provide consumers the ability to organize trips in a flexible and personalized way by integrating transportation into a single service. Integrating different transportation modes into a single accessible service will allow seamless planning, booking, and payment of multimodal trips.
The Indian mobility industry is on the cusp of growth. Ten years from now, the mobility landscape will be different than it is today. We will see a robust transport system supported by clean energy infrastructure. To lay the foundation for a robust mobility landscape ten years from now, emphasis should be laid on reducing carbon footprint through green mobility initiatives, renewable energy-powered transport solutions, and stringent emission regulations. Corporations and urban planners should focus on sustainable commuting programmes, promoting the use of public transport, cycling, and walking supported by subsidies and incentives. Stakeholders should focus on developing infrastructure that supports efficiency and eco-friendly mobility, including dedicated lanes for public transport and non-motorised vehicles. With revolutions and changes in its mobility infrastructure and practices, India is set to emerge as a leader in sustainable and smart transport on the global stage.
This article is written by Ashok Vashisht, Founder and CEO, WTiCabs.
