Latest news with #ElectricVehiclePolicy


Time of India
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Green goals: Chandigarh Eyes 1.26Cr Tonne CO2 Drop by 2030
1 2 3 Chandigarh: In a powerful push toward sustainability, the Chandigarh Administration has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to slash carbon dioxide emissions by over 1.2 crore tonnes by the year 2030. This green mission is part of the newly launched State Action Plan for Climate Change 2.0 (SAPCC), approved by the Centre. At the heart of the plan is a vision to decarbonise the city's power consumption, complete electrification of public and commercial transport, and ensuring all new commercial buildings are net-zero buildings. The State Action Plan for Climate Change 2.0 (SAPCC), which was recently unveiled after approval from the Centre, outlines the road map to achieve this ambitious target. Under the plan, the main strategies will include making the city a Model Solar City by 2030 by implementing various solar rooftop programmes, including PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and sourcing the balance power needs from non-fossil energy sources such as hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear. "Installation of 224 MW through various solar rooftop programmes is planned. An annual emission reduction of about 2,68,000 tCO2e by 2030 is estimated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Top 25 Most Beautiful Women In The World Articles Vally Undo Currently, the city is producing around 90 MW through solar energy," said a UT official. In the transport sector, in addition to providing greater incentives under the Chandigarh Electric Vehicle Policy, the UT will convert its entire bus fleet to electric buses within the SAPCC plan period. It also aims to achieve the highest penetration of Zero Emission Vehicles among all Indian cities by the end of the policy period by providing incentives, promoting environment-friendly commute systems (including converting all buses to electric buses), building EV charging infrastructure, introducing an integrated transport management system (ITMS), and creating public awareness. "In 2024, EVs accounted for 15.26% of total vehicle registration, which is targeted to be increased to 70%," states the plan. To reduce the carbon footprint of the city, the UT also aims to make a big push for energy efficiency in the building sector. The administration is planning to retrofit existing buildings to meet improved energy standards. "The administration aims to adopt the concept of ECBC norms in all newly constructed govt buildings by 2030. Similarly, green building standards and certification will be promoted, and net-zero emissions buildings will be introduced and promoted in the city," states the plan. More focus is being given towards implementing various systems to consolidate existing operations and deriving energy from solid waste in terms of overall energy generation. The city also plans to establish an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system. "Implementing various municipal waste processing systems to consolidate existing operations is needed, and deriving energy from solid waste can benefit the system in terms of overall energy generation," states the plan.


Arab News
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Arab News
Pakistan launches vehicle emissions testing in Islamabad to combat air pollution
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched emissions testing for vehicles entering the federal capital, Islamabad, in a bid to reduce air pollution and improve air quality, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry said on Friday. The move follows the launch of the emission testing system in the country's most populous Punjab province in May, the first initiative of its kind ever taken in the country. Emissions testing for vehicles is a process that measures the pollutants released from a vehicle's exhaust to ensure compliance with environmental standards. It evaluates the levels of harmful gases such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. 'The greatest damage caused to the environment is through vehicle emissions,' Chaudhry said while speaking to the media. 'Such testing has never been conducted before in Islamabad, but it has been initiated now,' he continued, adding that every car would be checked according to international standards before being certified. Chaudhry announced the government would first inspect official vehicles before expanding the initiative to private vehicles. 'No smoke emitting vehicle will be allowed to enter Islamabad,' he added. 'If it enters, there will be a fine, cars will be impounded and it will be dealt according to law.' Earlier this year in June, Pakistan unveiled its Electric Vehicle Policy 2025–2030, setting a target for 30 percent of all new vehicle sales to be electric by the end of the decade. The policy, which covers cars, buses, motorcycles and rickshaws, aims to accelerate Pakistan's transition to sustainable transport, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and curb climate-warming emissions. Pakistan imports the majority of its energy, and its urban centers rank among the most polluted in the world, primarily due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. This severe air pollution poses a serious threat to public health, undermines economic productivity and diminishes the quality of life for millions of residents.


Business Recorder
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Promotion of electric vehicles in Pakistan: Research study to be launched on cost-benefit analysis
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Industries and Production in collaboration with other stakeholders has decided to launch a research study on the cost benefit analysis of promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The decision was taken here on Thursday during the fifth meeting of the steering committee on the Electric Vehicle Policy which was held under the chairmanship of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The participants argued that a countrywide study should be conducted by engaging graduate and post graduate university students as well as other professionals, so that the exact cost benefit analysis could be drawn. For this purpose, some 4,000 EVs including two and three wheelers would be provided to the contributors on subsidised rates. The government has decided to take the number of EVs in the country as per Pakistan's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–2030 to 2.2 million, majority of them two wheelers and three wheelers for which so far at least 61 vendors have acquired licenses. The results of the research study would also be shared with the IMF and the World Bank to get further climate change-related funding. The meeting brought together representatives from key federal ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and coordinators from the Prime Minister's Office to review the progress of Pakistan's NEV Policy 2025–2030. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the first phase of the proposed subsidy scheme for electric vehicles. A technical briefing was also presented regarding battery performance and specifications, specifically considering Pakistan's unique climatic conditions and their impact on electric vehicle performance. Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that the Ministry of Industries and Production has engaged in consultations with provincial governments regarding the policy and emphasised that this intergovernmental cooperation would continue to ensure effective and consistent implementation across the country. He highlighted that the policy's environmental impact would be assessed using international standards to measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to explore opportunities for carbon credits. He reiterated the government's strong commitment to promoting eco-friendly technologies under the guidance of the prime minister. According to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the NEV policy is in alignment with the prime minister's vision of steering Pakistan towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation system. He emphasised that electric vehicles will not only reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported fuel but will also significantly contribute to lowering environmental pollution. He concluded by stating that the government is fully committed to developing a green transport infrastructure, and the new policy aims to achieve integrated progress in technology, economy, and environmental sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Business Recorder
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
Promotion of electric vehicles: Research study to be launched on cost-benefit analysis
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Industries and Production in collaboration with other stakeholders has decided to launch a research study on the cost benefit analysis of promotion of electric vehicles (EVs) in the country. The decision was taken here on Thursday during the fifth meeting of the steering committee on the Electric Vehicle Policy which was held under the chairmanship of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Industries and Production, Haroon Akhtar Khan. The participants argued that a countrywide study should be conducted by engaging graduate and post graduate university students as well as other professionals, so that the exact cost benefit analysis could be drawn. For this purpose, some 4,000 EVs including two and three wheelers would be provided to the contributors on subsidised rates. The government has decided to take the number of EVs in the country as per Pakistan's New Energy Vehicle (NEV) Policy 2025–2030 to 2.2 million, majority of them two wheelers and three wheelers for which so far at least 61 vendors have acquired licenses. The results of the research study would also be shared with the IMF and the World Bank to get further climate change-related funding. The meeting brought together representatives from key federal ministries, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the Capital Development Authority (CDA), and coordinators from the Prime Minister's Office to review the progress of Pakistan's NEV Policy 2025–2030. During the meeting, participants held detailed discussions on the first phase of the proposed subsidy scheme for electric vehicles. A technical briefing was also presented regarding battery performance and specifications, specifically considering Pakistan's unique climatic conditions and their impact on electric vehicle performance. Speaking on the occasion, Haroon Akhtar Khan noted that the Ministry of Industries and Production has engaged in consultations with provincial governments regarding the policy and emphasised that this intergovernmental cooperation would continue to ensure effective and consistent implementation across the country. He highlighted that the policy's environmental impact would be assessed using international standards to measure reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and to explore opportunities for carbon credits. He reiterated the government's strong commitment to promoting eco-friendly technologies under the guidance of the prime minister. According to Haroon Akhtar Khan, the NEV policy is in alignment with the prime minister's vision of steering Pakistan towards a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation system. He emphasised that electric vehicles will not only reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported fuel but will also significantly contribute to lowering environmental pollution. He concluded by stating that the government is fully committed to developing a green transport infrastructure, and the new policy aims to achieve integrated progress in technology, economy, and environmental sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025


Arabian Post
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Delhi Gears Up to Launch New Electric Vehicle Policy Next Month
Delhi's government is set to introduce an updated Electric Vehicle Policy next month, aiming to enhance sustainable transport options and aggressively combat the city's longstanding pollution challenges. The forthcoming policy update builds on the foundation laid by the original EV Policy, which has been instrumental in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across the capital. This next iteration emerges following a comprehensive review by an expert committee tasked with assessing the policy's effectiveness and identifying areas for refinement. The city's persistent struggle with hazardous air quality has propelled the administration to double down on measures that reduce emissions, with electric vehicles representing a critical component of the broader environmental strategy. The new policy framework is expected to focus on improving public and private transport through increased incentives, infrastructure development, and regulatory support. The objective is to not only facilitate the switch from conventional fossil fuel vehicles to EVs but also to ensure a seamless ecosystem that supports electric mobility for consumers and manufacturers alike. One of the central features under consideration is the expansion of subsidies and financial incentives for buyers of electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and cars. Since the initial policy launch, Delhi has witnessed a steady rise in EV sales, spurred by subsidies, easier registration processes, and preferential parking privileges. The new policy aims to amplify these benefits, possibly increasing the subsidy amounts to align with technological advancements and market trends. The government is also exploring differentiated incentives to encourage the uptake of electric commercial vehicles and public transport fleets, recognising their substantial contribution to urban emissions. ADVERTISEMENT Charging infrastructure remains a pivotal challenge in the EV transition. To address this, the updated policy will emphasise the accelerated deployment of charging stations across the city, including residential complexes, commercial hubs, and public spaces. The government plans to partner with private players and utility providers to establish a robust network, minimising range anxiety among potential EV users. Additionally, the policy will advocate for streamlined permitting processes to facilitate rapid infrastructure rollout. These measures aim to create a user-friendly environment that supports daily electric vehicle operations without hindrance. Delhi's EV Policy 2.0 is also expected to incorporate measures aimed at fostering local manufacturing and innovation. The capital's position as a key market and production hub in India for electric vehicles offers significant economic potential. The government is likely to introduce incentives for companies investing in research and development, battery manufacturing, and vehicle assembly within the city. This approach is designed to generate employment, encourage technological advancement, and reduce dependency on imports, especially in critical components such as lithium-ion batteries. Environmental experts have welcomed the policy update, highlighting its potential to drastically reduce the city's vehicular pollution, which accounts for a significant share of Delhi's air quality problems. Dr. Anita Sharma, an environmental scientist based in Delhi, notes that 'an effective EV policy not only addresses tailpipe emissions but also signals a shift towards sustainable urban planning and cleaner energy use.' She points out that integrating renewable energy sources into the charging infrastructure could further enhance the policy's impact by ensuring that electric vehicles operate on green electricity rather than fossil-fuel-based power. However, some challenges remain. The affordability of electric vehicles, despite subsidies, continues to be a barrier for many consumers. While the policy aims to widen access, the upfront cost of EVs compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles can deter lower-income buyers. Analysts suggest that targeted financing options and longer-term incentives could help bridge this gap. Moreover, the sustainability of the electric vehicle supply chain, including the ethical sourcing of battery materials, is gaining attention among policymakers and activists alike. Delhi's transport department has reiterated its commitment to transparency and public consultation throughout the policy finalisation process. Public workshops and stakeholder meetings have been conducted to gather feedback from industry experts, civil society groups, and consumer representatives. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the policy is balanced, practical, and aligned with the city's unique mobility landscape. ADVERTISEMENT The new policy comes amid increasing competition among Indian cities to become leaders in electric mobility. Metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad have also been rolling out ambitious EV incentives and infrastructure projects. Delhi's updated framework is expected to set a benchmark in terms of scale and ambition, potentially serving as a model for other regions seeking to tackle urban pollution through cleaner transportation alternatives.