The Future of Electric Vehicles in India
Electric vehicles (EVs) offer solutions to some of the biggest problems of the next century, from combatting climate change to reducing air pollution. India has recognized this, with the central government and 14 states developing policies to support EV adoption. In September 2018, Colorado and Gujarat held an energy partnership dialogue which led to an MOU encouraging future collaboration, including transportation electrification. CSIS believed that by continuing this relationship, both states could benefit and move toward a greener future in India and the USA. On January 31st, 2020, CSIS facilitated a private roundtable discussion between Gujarat Research Energy Management Institute (GERMI) and the Colorado Energy Office (CEO).
Among Indian states, Gujarat is a leader in manufacturing and renewable energy, and is aiming to continue this trend by expanding EV adoption and manufacturing in the state. In the US, Colorado is also pushing ahead on EVs, having recently adopted a Zero Emission Vehicle mandate in August, 2019.
This roundtable brought together experts and stakeholders from Colorado and Gujarat for a private round-table discussion, regarding the manufacture and adoption of electric vehicles. Participants included energy and transportation experts from both states, along with professors and private sector stakeholders.
Event Agenda
10:00-10:05 am: Welcome speech by GERMI
10:05-10:10 am: Introductory Remarks by Rick Rossow, Senior Adviser Chair, Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies CSIS
10:10-10:30 am: Pre-session: State Profiles and EV Policies
A brief profile of the transportation sector in CO and Gujarat and ongoing electrification policy development
Key CO Officials:
Jocelyn Durkay, Policy Analyst (CEO)
Christian Williss, Director of Transportation Fuels and Technology unit (CEO)
Key Guj Officials:
Akhilesh Magal, Head-Renewable Energy Advisor (GERMI)
10:35-11:30 am: Session 1: Best practices exchange and state-to-state partnerships
This session will explore current best practices in the E-mobility space. It will also focus on how Gujarat and Colorado can build on their existing partnerships to achieve their E-mobility goals
Discussion Questions:
- How are E-mobility pilot projects performing in Gujarat?
- How can EVs serve as a part of the greater Colorado-Gujarat energy partnership?
- What role do EVs play in each state’s GHG or environmental goals?
- What lessons from Colorado and other EV deployment states can be learned?
Key CO officials:
Jocelyn Durkay, Policy Analyst (CEO)
Christian Williss, Director of Transportation Fuels and Technology unit (CEO)
Moderator:
Akhilesh Magal, Head-Renewable Energy Advisor (GERMI)
Format: Open-house discussion
11:30-11:40 am: Tea Break
11:40-12:25 am: Session 2: Job Growth and EV Economic Impacts
This session will explore how each state should leverage its economic strengths to capture growth opportunities from EV adoption
Discussion Questions:
- What are the direct job implications of EV manufacturing in Gujarat?
- What are the needs of private corporations and industry?
- What kind of policies can Gujarat and Colorado adopt to accomplish GHG reduction goals while relevant industries benefit from vehicle electrification?
- What role does international trade play, and can Colorado contribute experience or materially?
Speakers:
Reid Aronstein/ Max Nathanson, Global Business Development Manager, CO Office of Economic Development and International Trade. (OEDIT)
Moderator:
Rick Rossow, Senior Adviser Chair, Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies (CSIS)
Format: Open-house discussion
12:30-13:15 am: Session 3: Deploying Charging Infrastructure
Description: Discussion will focus on the deployment of charging stations and charging infrastructure throughout Gujarat.
Discussion questions:
- What business models, and what kind of government cooperation, fit best with Gujarat’s E-mobility goals?
- Is there a place for horizontal planning? How can Gujarat work with its cities for urban planning?
- What effect will this new demand have on Gujarat’s electricity infrastructure?
Speakers:
David Palchak, National Renewable Energy Lab
Moderator:
Polash Das, Deputy Manager - Technical at Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) (TBD)
Format: Open-house discussion followed by Presentation by NRDC
13:15-14:15 am: Lunch
14:15-15:10 am: Session 4: Increasing EV Adoption
This session will discuss policy strategies for increasing EV adoption across sectors.
Discussion Questions:
- How do CO and Guj. private vehicle fleets differ, and are the adoption challenges similar?
- What is the state’s role versus the manufacturer’s role in driving adoption?
- How should the state best address the cost difference between current ICE vehicles and EVs?
Speakers:
Dr. Bryan Wilson, Colorado State University, Director of CSU Energy Institute
Jagabanta Ningthoujam, Rocky Mountain Institute Senior Associate
Moderator:
Rick Rossow, Senior Adviser Chair, Wadhwani Chair in U.S.-India Policy Studies (CSIS)
Format: Open-house discussion
15:15-15:30 am: Closing Remarks by GERMI & CSIS
