In a bid to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions, the Chief Minister of Goa, Pramod Sawant, announced on Wednesday that all new Tourist Vehicles, cabs, and motorbikes provided on rent in the state will be required to be electric vehicles (EVs) starting from January 2024. This move is part of the major reforms proposed by the Goa government to encourage the adoption of EVs in the coastal state. Sawant made this announcement during a side-event organized by the NITI Aayog, coinciding with the ongoing fourth Energy Transitions Working Group meeting under India's G20 Presidency in Panaji.
Goa's Impressive Progress in EV Adoption:
Chief Minister Sawant highlighted that Goa ranks fourth among Indian states in terms of the percentage of EVs purchased. Building on this momentum, the government aims to further boost the adoption of EVs in the state through these new measures.
Mandatory EV Adoption for Tourist Vehicles and Rentals:
Starting from January 2024, all new tourist vehicles, cabs, and motorbikes provided on rent will be required to be electric vehicles. This move aims to transform the transportation sector in Goa and significantly reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Additionally, from the same date, the government will also mandate the purchase of electric vehicles for its own fleet.
Retrofitting of Existing Fleet:
The Chief Minister further announced that permit holders operating multiple tourist taxis, rent-a-bike, and rent-a-cab services will be required to retrofit 30 percent of their fleet to electric vehicles by June 2024. This measure will expedite the transition to electric mobility and contribute to a greener transport system in Goa.
Challenges and the Need for Change:
Sawant highlighted that Goa faces challenges due to its high vehicle density, with per capita vehicle ownership being 4.5 times the national average. As a popular global tourism destination, Goa witnesses a significant influx of tourists, resulting in increased carbon emissions from the large number of taxis, rental vehicles, and buses used for transportation. A recent study revealed that 40 percent of the total carbon emissions in Goa are generated by vehicles.
Government Support and Financial Assistance:
To support the adoption of EVs, the Goa government has provided financial assistance for 1,679 electric vehicles under a scheme, amounting to Rs. 122 million (Rs. 12.2 crore). Since the introduction of the scheme, the percentage of EV sales has seen exponential growth, increasing from 0.2 percent to 9.4 percent in 2022-23.
Conclusion:
Goa's commitment to transitioning its transportation sector towards electric mobility is a significant step in promoting sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. The mandatory adoption of EVs for tourist vehicles, rentals, and government fleets, along with the retrofitting requirement, will accelerate the state's journey towards a cleaner and greener future. As more states in India follow suit, the country's collective efforts in embracing EVs will play a crucial role in mitigating climate change and promoting a sustainable transportation ecosystem.
