Tata Motors: Hybrids Hinder Zero-Carbon Mobility Goal

Tata Motors has been making an uncompromising argument for total electrification. For them, hybrid vehicles slow down the pace towards zero-carbon mobility; essentially, they are the solutions to sustainable transport. At a specific point, hybrids-as-vehicles with engines burning petrol take part in benefits and defer full transition to the cleaner energy sources. So, EVs become leaders at the behest of the company’s management for the attainment of global climate goals.

Hybrids are not True Sustainability

To the Tata chief, Shailesh Chandra, a clear stance is that instead of a hybrid, one would opt for EVs. Hybrids, he stated, may be less polluting but somehow will still use fossil fuels. For example, a strong hybrid could be about 20-25% less in CO2 levels compared to petrol cars. On the other hand, EVs are completely without tailpipe emissions. For true zero-carbon goals, they are undoubtedly the best choice. Besides, the hybrid’s dual systems shoot up the costs, making it not viable in the long run.

As per government policy, that is. The FAME-III scheme is pro-EV because it encourages the adoption of electric vehicles and buses with slight electric vehicle subsidies. This is in contrast to very few hybrid subsidies that are available, thus making it quite clear that the preference is toward total electrification. That is why Tata Motors has been investing heavily in finding EV infrastructure, including charging networks.

Promoting India’s Green Future

India’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market is spearheaded by Tata Motors. The largest share of the company in its EV portfolio includes the Nexon EV. Tata aims to have all of its sales by 2030 come from electric-powered vehicles, for 50% of all sales. By that time, 2030, India will be seeking to penetrate the EV market by 30%.

Costs run lower with EVs. The average cost of electric power is as much as 70% cheaper than using petrol, meaning fewer expenses on fuel. Driving an electric vehicle costs about ₹1 to ₹2 per kilometer, while a petrol-guzzler would cost up to ₹7-8. The ever-reducing cost of batteries worldwide makes EVs very affordable. This is a good argument for electrification rather than hybrids.

Some Barriers that Come Along with EV Mass Adoption

EVs still have to leap over many hurdles to advance toward adoption. Availability of charging stations is limited to slow growth, while rural areas suffer the most. Tata Motors hopes to add 22,000 chargers by 2025, but still has some areas left without coverage. The price of EVs kicks a little light into the face of potential buyers and creates a hurdle; government subsidies, however, allow that door to be opened wider.

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Worse still, contestants argue that indeed, hybrids would serve India’s current requirements very well. They don’t need charging infrastructure and can travel much farther than an electric car on the same amount of fuel. Push for hybrids from companies like Toyota points to this fact. In return, Tata argues that hybrids make the transition into renewables longer and hence extend dependence on oil.

The road map towards a mobility without any carbon footprint

Looking forward, Tata Motors is envisaging a future where most vehicles would be electric. The company is investing in a battery recycling unit as well as renewable energy to further strengthen its sustainability focus. A good example would be solar-powered charging stations that would further lower the carbon footprint of EVs. In addition, policies like zero-emission mandates in cities by 2035 will complement this effort.

Challenges do exist, though. One of the biggest hurdles would be scaling battery production, keeping the environmental impact within limits. In addition, the power grid in India would have to truly transform into a renewable one to extract maximum benefits from emerging EV technologies. Even with this, the renewed focus on EVs will surely take India closer toward a zero-carbon mobility place where hybrids would be sidelined as temporary solutions.

Source: India Today

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