EV-olution: Aligning the Just Energy Transition in the Electric Mobility Ecosystem with the G20 Framework

In the global battle against climate change, the transformation of transportation systems into cleaner and more sustainable modes becomes a crucial strategy to reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C. India, as an active participant, is currently in the process of transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). However, it faces several significant challenges that require resolution for a seamless transition.

CUTS, in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) India office, hosted a series of podcasts under the initiative “EV-olution: Aligning the Just Energy Transition in the Electric Mobility Ecosystem with the G20 Framework.” The podcasts intended to create awareness, generate interest, and facilitate discussions on the potential of Just Energy Transition in the green mobility sector in India.

This initiative involved monitoring G20 deliberations, actively engaging with both direct and indirect stakeholders, and notably, including perspectives often marginalised in Just Energy Transition (JET) dialogues, such as those of worker’s representatives. The project employed a multi-level approach, starting at the local level and expanding to regional, national, and international levels, to promote inclusivity and provide comprehensive insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding JET and green mobility within the G20.

Episode 1: Gender Inclusivity in the Mobility Sector

The first episode on “Gender Inclusivity in the Mobility Sector” had Pawan Mulukutla, Director-Integrated Transport, Electric Mobility, and Hydrogen, WRI India; Sonal Shah, Founder, The Urban Catalysts; Manisha Sharma, Senior Research Associate, The Urban Catalysts as panelists, and the session was hosted by Mandvi Kulshreshtha, Program Adviser, FES-India.

The discussions revolved around the multifaceted factors contributing to gender gaps in EV ownership, the socio-technical influences that shape purchasing decisions, and the role of market strategies and advertising in perpetuating gender stereotypes.

Episode 2: The Role of Trade Unions in Ensuring a Just Transition in India’s Mobility Sector

The second episode on "The Role of Trade Unions in Ensuring a Just Transition in India's Mobility Sector" had Amarjeet Kaur, General Secretary, All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC); Frederik Moch, Head of Department for Structural Policy, Industry, and Services, The German Trade Union Confederation (DGB); Gautam Mody, General Secretary, New Trade Union Initiative (NTUI) as panelists, and the session was hosted by Anup Srivastava, Program Adviser, FES India.

The discussions revolved around the crucial role of trade unions in steering India's mobility sector towards a just and sustainable future by collaborating with the government and industry to design reskilling programmes, establish social safety nets, shape policies, and facilitate constructive dialogues.

Episode 3: Innovative Finance Mechanisms as a Driving Force for Electric Mobility

The third episode on "Innovative Finance Mechanisms as a Driving Force for Electric Mobility" had Suranjali Tandon, Associate Professor, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy; Amit Bhandari, Senior Fellow, Gateway House as panelists, and the session was hosted by Akash Sharma, Associate Fellow, CUTS International.

The discussions revolved around the criticality innovative finance mechanisms in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles in India. It also dwelled upon the factors such as government incentives, public-private partnerships, EV financing programmes, battery leasing, corporate fleets, international investments, and smart grid integration that are driving the EV revolution in India.

Episode 4: Role of Startups and Entrepreneurs in Ensuring a Just Transition in the Automobile Sector

The fourth and final podcast on "The Role of Startups in Ensuring a Just Transition in the Automobile Sector" had Yuvraj Sarda, Head of E-Mobility Solutions, Volvo Construction Equipment India; Jaydip Mukherjee, Co-Founder & COO, Snap-E abs as panelists and the session was hosted by Sucharita Bhattacharjee, Policy Analyst & Deputy Head, CUTS International-Calcutta Resource Centre.

The discussions revolved around the key issues of the automobile sector, emphasising technical complexities, capital-intensive demands, and infrastructure gaps, including slow development and limited financing. The discussion also highlighted the pivotal role of business associations in guiding startups and shaping policies.

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CUTS International is a think-tank and advocacy organization that provides a voice to the voiceless to express their developmental needs and promotes the ideals of inclusive growth and development. In all its endeavours, CUTS follows the method of research based advocacy and connects the grassroots with national and international policymaking processes.

For more information about FES India's work on Socio-Economic Transformation project, please contact the India-based Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Office and follow the facebook page for regular updates.