Most Populous Country in the World Suggests Prohibition on Premium Gasoline Vehicles | Carscoops

      A new proposal from India's Supreme Court could expedite the country's shift to electric vehicles by focusing on luxury internal combustion engine (ICE) cars while leaving the mass market unaffected.

      The Supreme Court has suggested a gradual ban on high-end combustion vehicles, indicating that this targeted strategy could enhance cleaner transportation without disrupting the broader automotive market. The judges pointed out that premium electric vehicles (EVs) already compete well with gasoline and diesel alternatives.

      Despite a slower-than-anticipated adoption of EVs in the world's most populous nation, the Supreme Court sees an opportunity for progress. They recommend that the government consider phasing out luxury ICE vehicles, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, as a controlled approach toward fostering electric mobility.

      Reports from Autocar India indicate that EVs currently hold about 12% of the sales in the premium segment, significantly more than the 2-3% share among mass-market vehicles.

      Critics argue that since luxury vehicles comprise a small segment of India's automotive market, the proposed ban would have minimal impact on nationwide emissions. Others highlight that the country's outdated scrappage policy contributes to the pollution problem due to the prevalence of aging cars and light commercial vehicles.

      Nevertheless, the court believes that implementing an EV-only policy for luxury models would convey a strong message without negatively affecting affordability for the general population or disrupting the new car market.

      Justice Kant mentioned that manufacturers are already providing a variety of premium electric options that match the comfort and performance of their ICE counterparts. He stated, “As these vehicles target a small and wealthy niche, imposing a ban on high-end petrol and diesel cars could be a starting point without affecting the common man.”

      The government has expressed willingness to engage in discussions on this initiative. Luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW have existing substantial zero-emission offerings, but a ban on internal combustion vehicles would require changes in their operations in India, potentially impacting local jobs and supplier investments.

      Currently, this remains a proposal without specific timelines. The Supreme Court has urged the government to evaluate its National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, with a follow-up hearing planned for December.

      India’s Attorney General noted that there is ongoing collaboration across 13 ministries and departments regarding this topic, encompassing areas from manufacturing incentives to charging infrastructure.