Our work in the transport sector aims at low-carbon modes of transport that are sustainable and inclusive in nature. We have pioneered policy research in this sector with expertise in issues related to energy efficiency and emissions modeling. Among others, our focus areas include electric vehicles, railways, urban transport.
Trucks have gradually become a dominant mode of freight transport, replacing the railway, the traditional bulk commodity carrier. Crisscrossing through the country, trucks are responsible for nearly 40 percent of carbon emissions and air pollution in the urban areas.[1]
Global dependence on fossil fuels in the transport sector has been a key driver of climate change and air pollution. In India, motorized transport accounts for a large share of the country’s total GHG emissions. Therefore, the swift replacement of internal combustion engines (ICE Vehicles) with Electric Vehicles (EVs) is imperative to decarbonize India’s transport sector.
Roads and railways bind a nation and bring people together. They facilitate the achievement of SDGs, as without adequate mobility, SDGs cannot be achieved and sustained.
TERI's survey on consumer perception of electric vehicles (EVs) revealed that issues like upfront cost, battery replacement, and range anxiety are topmost concerns for people considering buying an EV.
In the post-COVID scenario, the predicted demand of the three-wheeler sector might increase and a shift of commuters from app-based taxies may be expected. To promote electric mobility in India, auto-rickshaws can play a vital role as frontrunners.
7-9 February 2024 | New Delhi
TERI Energy & Environment Data Diary and Yearbook (TEDDY) is an annual publication brought out by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) since 1986. TEDDY presents latest information on energy supply sectors (coal and lignite, petroleum and natural gas, power and renewable energy sources), energy demand sectors (agriculture, industry, transport, residential, and commercial sectors), and environment (local and global). It seeks to support policy research and decision-making by providing policymakers and researchers with the data which can be used to develop actionable solutions.
TERI, in collaboration with Department of Posts, Government of India as a technical partner, and Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation as a knowledge partner, is preparing a roadmap to electrify the existing Mail Motor Service (MMS) fleet.
From a survey carried out by TERI, it can be noted that the latest figure for 2023 shows that around 597361 vehicles have gone off the roads daily in Delhi-NCR due to the metro. The number of two-wheelers has increased after the pandemic.
The implementation of climate-resilient projects can be facilitated by paving the way for more integrated and effective governance structures by breaking down these silos and the promotion of cross-sectoral collaboration, says Ms Anushree Harde, Research Associate and Mr Sharif Qamar, Fellow and Associate Director, Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI.
How does it cater to Indian markets? Mr I.V. Rao, Distinguish Fellow at The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), thinks that global players in India must consider local circumstances, like the environment, roads, and usage conditions.
The third phase of corporate average fuel economy, or CAFE-III norms, is being prepared by the road transport and highways ministry and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), two people aware of the matter said, adding that the new norms may come into effect from 2027. Newer and cleaner technologies help car makers accrue super credits, which help them meet the limits set under CAFE norms for passenger cars, said Mr Sharif Qamar Associate Director, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
To promote the country's electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in line with its vision of Viksit Bharat, the Centre is in the process of establishing a task force to create a roadmap for the industry, according to a letter sent by the ministry of heavy industries (MHI) to automakers. Mr I.V. Rao, Distinguished Fellow at TERI, one of the agencies in the task force, confirmed the ministry's move.
The impacts on right to equality are also evident with the varying geography of India and a range of vulnerable populations, says Ms Harshita Kaur, Research Associate, Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI.
Surge in demand for mobility and the consequent consumption of fossil fuels for powering transport vehicles is massive and is increasing rapidly with time. However, with geopolitical tensions, shrinking crude oil reserves, and negative impacts of vehicular emissions on global and local pollution has influenced scientific community to explore alternative and sustainable fuels for the transport sector.
India’s rapid urbanization and economic growth has accelerated both passenger and freight transport demands, which have led to the need for prioritizing adoption of low carbon technologies, also strengthening the country’s energy security.
India’s dependency on imported fossil fuels is mounting incessantly. The petroleum products consumption in the country has increased about 38.2% from the past decade, resulting in a substantial expenditure on oil imports.
India has the 2nd largest road network in the world. Amongst the different types of roads, the National Highways extending to 1,44,634 km has contributed significantly to India’s rapid economic development. The rapid pace of construction of highways is enabling integration of the local economies of far flung towns and villages into the national economy.
70% of total tonne-km of India's freight transport takes place via roads (TERI, 2015) and is dominated by medium and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) with a share of around 60% and the remaining by light-duty vehicles (LDVs). Reduced emission levels from 'hard to abate' sectors such as medium/heavy-duty long-distance transport, aviation, and shipping will continue to be critical in the future. Sustained efforts in this direction are crucial to achieving emission intensity reduction targets globally and in India, as outlined in the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
