Procurement of EVs to Boost Bihar’s Electric Mobility

• 12 Jan 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced the procurement of two electric cars during the Bihar Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave and Expo held in Patna.

• It is a significant move towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation in Bihar.

Key Points

• The event was organised by the Bihar Transport Department in collaboration with World Resources Institute, India, and the Bihar State Pollution Control Board.
• During his visit, the Chief Minister actively engaged with the showcased EVs, seeking detailed information about their features and capabilities.
  • He emphasised the environmental benefits of EVs and highlighted ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure for convenient public charging facilities.
  • He urged the public to explore the advantages of EVs, emphasising their role in environmental conservation.
• Transport Department Minister Sheela Kumari inaugurated the conclave and emphasised the collective efforts required to achieve a pollution-free State.
• According to the Transport Secretary, the share of EVs among total new vehicle registrations was 7% in 2023, exceeding the national average of 6%.
• With Bihar EV Policy offering purchase incentives and exemption in motor vehicle tax and provisions for robust charging infrastructure, the EV penetration in the State is set to meet the target of 15% well within the set timeframe of 2028.
• According to World Resources Institute (WRI) India, Digitalisation of the system can hugely improve the transport system efficiency in States.
  • Demand aggregation can bring about 30% reduction in cost and help scale the adoption of e-buses.
  • Open data repositories are critical to improve the transport infrastructure as they can help us improve transport infrastructure planning to meet growing demand.
  • Ease of financing is another critical component that can help States in creating an enabling marketplace for public transportation.
• Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser at NITI Aayog suggested several measures to promote electric mobility, including implementing aggressive electric mobility initiatives in a few cities and encouraging schools to switch to electric buses initially.

World Resources Institute (WRI)

• WRI was created in 1982 in Washington, D.C. It is a non-profit, science and evidence based institution that carries out rigorous policy research of global environmental and development issues.
• Its mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

NITI Aayog

• The NITI Aayog serves as the apex public policy think tank of the Government of India.
• The nodal agency tasked with catalyzing economic development, and fostering cooperative federalism.
  • Moving away from bargaining federalism through the involvement of State Governments of India in the economic policy-making process using a bottom-up approach.