South Asia's electric mobility goals are overambitious

Subject

South Asia's EV outlook.

Significance

India and Pakistan have both set 30% electric mobility targets for 2030. While sales of passenger car electric vehicles (EVs) are very small, both countries already have substantial numbers of electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles, a transport phenomenon which has bypassed developed countries. South Asian countries lack EV component manufacturing capabilities.

Impacts

• In-country assembly is a likely starting point to boost domestic EV production.
• Foreign partnerships should boost production capacity and facilitate technology transfer.
• Fast growth in electricity for transport demand will require electricity system adaptation, which South Asia is ill-equipped to deliver.
• India's plans to add 500 gigawatts of new renewable power to the electricity grid by 2030 would boost its EV scheme.