Beyond CNG: India’s Path to Sustainable Urban Transport

As Indian cities are facing the dual challenges of rapid urbanization and deteriorating air quality, the choices we make in transportation sector are far more critical than ever. Introduction of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles, once considered as a key intervention, for reducing urban pollution, are now showing their limitations in the era of BS VI emission norms and may face even greater challenges with the upcoming BS VII standards, clean bio fuels alternatives and transition to Electric Vehicles (EV) in India.

The Indian Context: CNG Under Scrutiny

With the implementation of BS VI standards in India, we've seen significant step in reducing pollutants from diesel and petrol engines. However, the recent report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) presents a stark reality that real-world emissions from CNG vehicles, particularly in cities like Delhi and Gurugram, often exceed laboratory test limits by a significant margin.

According to a report from ICCT , CNG vehicles, especially those certified under BS VI, are emitting 1.5 to 14 times more pollutants in real-world conditions than their type-approval limits suggest. This is particularly concerning given that these vehicles were expected to be a cleaner alternative. The study highlights that high-use commercial CNG vehicles, such as taxis and light goods vehicles, are major contributors to NOx emissions, with levels up to 5 times higher than those from private car fleets.

Health Impacts: A Growing Concern

The impact of these real-world emissions on public health is significant. NOx emissions, which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter, are linked to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The findings from ICCT reinforce that the air pollution crisis in cities like Delhi, where air quality often reaches hazardous levels, is exacerbated by the higher-than-expected emissions from CNG vehicles (True Initiative ).

Anticipating BS VII: Greater Challenges for CNG

As India is also considering moving towards the BS VII emission norms, which are expected to be even more stringent, the challenges for CNG vehicles will likely increase. BS VII is anticipated to:

• Further Tighten NOx Limits: The expected reduction in permissible NOx emissions will put additional pressure on CNG vehicles, which already struggle with NOx levels under BS VI. Adapting to these new limits may require significant technological advancements that CNG engines are currently ill-equipped to achieve.
• Introduce Real-World Emissions Testing: With the anticipated focus on Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing under BS VII, which measures emissions in actual on-road conditions, the true environmental cost of CNG vehicles may become more apparent, leading to stricter controls or a push towards alternative technologies.

Government Policy Measures: Promoting Clean Fuels and EVs

Recognizing the need to transition to cleaner and more sustainable transportation options, the Indian government has implemented several policy measures aimed at promoting clean fuels and electric vehicles (EVs):

1. FAME India Scheme (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles): Launched in 2015, the FAME India Scheme incentivizes the adoption of EVs through subsidies on electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers, as well as support for charging infrastructure. The second phase, FAME II, introduced in 2019, extends these benefits and focuses on electrification of public and shared transportation.
2. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020: This plan outlines the government’s vision for creating a robust EV ecosystem in India. It aims to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles, with a target of having 6-7 million EVs on Indian roads by 2020 (partly met). The plan also seeks to reduce emissions intensity by 33-35% by 2030.
3. Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage: In an effort to support the domestic manufacturing of batteries, which are crucial for the EV industry, the government has launched the PLI scheme for ACC Battery Storage. This initiative aims to establish a competitive battery manufacturing ecosystem in India.
4. Tax Incentives and Subsidies: The Indian government provides several tax incentives for EVs, including reduced GST rates (5% for EVs compared to 28% for conventional vehicles), income tax rebates on loans taken for EV purchase, and exemption from road tax in certain states.
5. Green Hydrogen Mission: While primarily focused on industrial applications, the Green Hydrogen Mission also supports the development of hydrogen as a clean fuel for transportation. This initiative aims to produce, store, and use green hydrogen, potentially providing an alternative fuel option for vehicles in the future.
6. State-Level Initiatives: Many Indian states have also introduced their own policies to promote EV adoption. For instance, Delhi's EV Policy 2020 offers incentives for the purchase of EVs, waiver of road tax and registration fees, and plans to install charging stations across the city. Similarly, Maharashtra’s EV policy aims to make the state a leading hub for EV manufacturing and adoption.

The Role of Biofuels in India’s Clean Energy Transition

Biofuels are emerging as a key component in India's strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The government’s National Biofuel Policy, introduced in 2018, aims to achieve a 20% ethanol blending target by 2025. Ethanol, derived from sugarcane and other biomass, can be blended with petrol, reducing the overall carbon footprint of conventional fuels. Similarly, biodiesel, produced from non-edible oilseeds and used cooking oil, offers a renewable alternative to diesel, with lower emissions of CO? and other pollutants.

Moreover, biofuels support energy security by reducing reliance on imported oil and create additional income opportunities for farmers by promoting the cultivation of biofuel crops. However, the biofuel sector also faces challenges, such as ensuring sustainable land use and avoiding competition with food crops. Continued research and innovation are essential to overcoming these challenges and realizing the full potential of biofuels in India’s clean energy transition.

The Way Forward: Stricter Emission Norms and the Transition to EVs and Clean Fuels

As India moves towards more stringent emission norms, such as the upcoming BS VII standards, the transition away from CNG vehicles to cleaner alternatives is becoming increasingly urgent. The real-world emissions data clearly shows that CNG vehicles are not meeting the environmental expectations set by these norms. To address this, India is accelerating its shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean fuels like biofuels and green hydrogen.

This transition is supported by strong government policies and initiatives that aims at promoting EV adoption and the development of alternative fuels. Stricter emission standards will play a critical role in pushing the automotive industry towards zero-emission technologies, ensuring that the vehicles on Indian roads are not just cleaner in the lab, but also in the real-world conditions that truly impact public health and the environment.

As these changes are being taking shape, it’s essential that policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers work together to make the shift to EVs and clean fuels as seamless as possible. The future of India’s urban transport lies in this transition, paving the way for a sustainable, cleaner, and healthier environment in our cities

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References

1. ICCT Report on Real-World Emissions in Delhi and Gurugram: International Council on Clean Transportation. Real-world motor vehicle exhaust emissions in Delhi and Gurugram using remote sensing . August 2024.
2. TRUE Initiative Commentary: New TRUE report: Delhi commercial and compressed natural gas vehicles are high real-world emitters. The Real Urban Emissions (TRUE) Initiative . August 2024.
3. Public Health Impact of Air Pollution in India: World Health Organization (WHO) estimates on air pollution-related premature deaths in India. WHO Global Health Observatory Data Repository .