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.
India’s updated NDC targets a 45% reduction in GHG emissions intensity by 2030, compared with 2005 levels. India’s transport sector is the third largest contributor to total emissions in the country, contributing around 12% of total GHG emissions. With the rapidly increasing population, urbanization, and development of industry and tertiary sector, the country’s transport demand is rising exponentially.
The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a premier global conference convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to exchange ideas and experiences on sustainable urbanization. The twelfth session of WUF is being held this year in Cairo, Egypt from November 04 – 08, 2024.
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.
Significant gaps persist in the policy and data frameworks required for the effective management of LTI in conservation landscapes. Robust research, standardized guidelines, and a proactive approach to the integration of biodiversity concerns into infrastructure planning are necessary to address these gaps, says Ms Shreya Gupta, Research Associate, TERI, Ms Sukanya Das, Professor, TERI SAS and Mr Dil Rahut, Senior Research Fellow, ADBI.
The inclusion of electric mobility options into the passenger segment of the city from last mile connectivity options such as E-Rickshaws, Electric Auto Rickshaws etc. to Mass Rapid Transit Systems and private electric vehicles can be planned. This can assist in achieving comprehensive plans with integrated electric mobility accommodating the travel characteristics of the city says Ms Harshita Kaur, Research Associate, Transport and urban Governance Division, TERI.
TERI undertook the project to forecast India’s transport demand until 2070-71, when the country aims to achieve net-zero emissions. The study assesses the sector’s baseline emission trajectory and explores strategies to mitigate emissions through technology-driven measures. These include improving fuel economy, promoting alternative fuel technologies, incorporating biofuel blends, and increasing the share of freight carried by railways, said Mr Sharif Qamar, Associate Director, TERI.
As India's cities expand rapidly, urban transportation systems face the twin challenges of pollution and traffic congestion. Among the solutions, transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), especially electric auto-rickshaws (e-autos), stands out as a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, says Mr. Emmanuel Neelagiri, Consultant, Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI.
To meet its target of 30 percent EV sales by 2030, India needs to expand its charging infrastructure, requiring around 3.9 million charging stations by that time. Streamlining the current fragmented institutional framework and close coordination between agencies overseeing regulations, standards, and policy implementation is essential for efficient EV infrastructure development, says Ms. Sonal Singh, Research Associate, Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI.
Demand side incentives have reduced the price difference, however many consumers still struggle to afford e-4W and e-LGVs. Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are introducing Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) options to reduce consumers' initial financial burden and provide OEMs with a consistent revenue stream, says Mr Piyush Saxena, Research Associate, Transport and Urban Governance Division, TERI.
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.
Biodiesel is one of the alternative fuels that can be produced from non-edible sources, waste oils, animal fats, etc. India’s government is emphasizing energy security with a target of reducing the usage of fossil fuels and import burdens.
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.
