Factors Influencing Electrification of Urban Freight Vehicles: A Case Study of Three Indian Cities - Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Surat

Abstract

India’s high levels of transport-related air pollution endanger public health. The transition to electric mobility will address this challenge while also reducing the country’s dependence on oil imports. The Government of India has offered incentives to electric vehicle manufacturers and purchasers that promote faster adoption of electric vehicles. The states have framed electric vehicle policies offering additional fiscal and non-fiscal incentives supporting this objective, but the adoption rate of electric vehicles in India is far below expectations. This paper aims to understand the factors that influence the electrification of urban freight vehicles. It does so with reference to urban freight movements linked to textile markets in Ahmedabad and Surat, and the fruit and vegetable market in Delhi. By studying these, it attempts to assess the impact of key policy and market conditions on the adoption of electric vehicles. Based on stakeholder perceptions, it further tries to identify the enablers and barriers to the electrification of urban freight vehicles.

Keywords

• electric freight vehicle
• urban freight vehicle
• case cities
• total cost of ownership
• potential shift