GD Topic - Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India: Dream or Reality?

Candidates looking for admission in MBA course must prepare well for the Group Discussion Round along with the entrance exam. Check out the below article for a Discussion on Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India.

Group Discussion is part of the Management of Business Administration (MBA) admission process. It assesses the candidates on many skills, including, communication skills, time management, listening skills, English proficiency, confidence level, subject knowledge, leadership skills, and so on. Candidates who have scored well in the MBA entrance exam and are eligible are called for the Group Discussion Round. A group of selected candidates gets a topic on which they have to think about for five minutes and then start discussing. The candidates get 20-25 minutes to showcase their skills and abilities. Once they are done with the GD Round, the judges score them based on their performance. Candidates with higher scores can then participate in the further part of the admission process of their desired B-school.

MBA is a two-year postgraduate programme for candidates planning to gain business skills and knowledge. With many MBA entrance exams like  CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAH MBA CET going on, candidates must start preparing for the GD/PI round to increase their chances of getting admission to a top B-school.

Check Out: Top MBA Colleges in India

What are Electric Vehicles (EVs)?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are automobiles that use one or more electric motors for propulsion. These motors are powered by energy stored in onboard batteries or fuel cells. Unlike conventional vehicles which rely on ICEs (internal combustion engines) and burn fossil fuels (like petrol or diesel), Electric Vehicles operate on electricity, making them a more sustainable and cleaner alternative for transportation. There are four major types of electric vehicles, namely, Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). Battery Electric Vehicles are fully electric vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries; for example, Tesla Model 3 and Tata Nexon EV. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles include a combination of electric motor and an internal combustion engine. These vehicles can run on electricity for short distances and fuel for longer trips; for example, the Toyota Prius Plug-in. Hybrid Electric Vehicles use an electric motor and fuel-based engine simultaneously. The vehicle batteries are charged through regenerative braking; for example, the Honda Accord Hybrid. Lastly, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles are EVs that use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity for propulsion; for example, the Toyota Mirai.

Key Features of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Below are some of the key features of Electric Vehicles (EVs):

• Energy Efficiency: Electric Vehicles are energy efficient as they convert over 77% of electrical energy into motion as compared to 20-30% for traditional vehicles.
• Zero Emissions: Electric Vehicles do not produce any tailpipe emissions. These vehicles contribute to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas levels.
• Lower Operating Costs: The operating cost of fuel and maintenance of electric vehicles is low. It is because of the fewer moving parts in these vehicles.
• Innovative Technology: The electric vehicles are equipped with advanced features such as smart dashboards, regenerative braking, and connectivity options.
• Silent Operation: EVs contribute to lower noise pollution are they produce significantly less noise compared to ICE vehicles (Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles).

History of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

As most people think, EVs are not invented in the 21^st century. The technology used for EVs is almost as old as the ones used in ICEs. Inventors started performing experiments in electric propulsion during the 1820s. However, in the 18^th century, EVs didn’t get much attention as compared to ICE vehicles, because EVs had immature battery technology, high costs, lack of infrastructure, faced competition from steam and horse-drawn vehicles, industrial priorities, lack of awareness among people, and lack of demand. After many experiments and failures, EVs finally started getting the required recognition in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. This period is referred to as the Golden Era of Electric Vehicles. Some reasons behind the recognition include advancements in battery technology, innovative designs, ease of use, technological improvements, celebrity and industrial endorsement, and increasing urban user popularity.

Future of Electric Vehicles in India

India is seeing a strong push for electric vehicles as a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. With a growing focus on reducing carbon emissions, improving energy security, and addressing urban air pollution, India is moving towards positioning itself as a key player in the global EV ecosystem. According to the 2023 statistics, EVs make up about 2% of the total car sales in India, to achieve this goal. The government of India wants to increase this percentage to 30% by 2030. India has decided to cut import taxes on electric vehicles. This exemption will apply to the electric vehicles produced by those car-makers who commit to invest at least 500 million dollars and start domestic manufacturing within 3 years. These changes will lead to increased competition for the domestic auto-makers. However, it seems like the Indian auto-makers have plans to compete in the EV market.

For example,

• Tata Motors commands more than 80% of India’s electric car market. The company is currently selling four EV models and plans to expand its EV lineup to at least ten models over the next 3-4 years. Besides, the company is targeting to increase its EV sales to 25% of its total car sales by 2025.
• Mahindra offers an electric version of its XUV 400 SUV and is planning to introduce new electric SUVs from 2025. The company expects its EV sales to account for 20-30% of the SUV sales by March 2027.
• Hyundai Motors currently sells two EV models in India; the Kona Electric and the Ioniq 5. The company plans to introduce five EV cars by 2032 and increase the number of its charging stations to 439 by 2027.
• Maruti Suzuki, India’s top automaker by sales plans to introduce six EV models by 2030. The company is also scheduled to roll out its first EV from its Gujrat plant by the end of 2024.
• Lastly, Indian steel-to-power conglomerate JSW Group has announced its plan to enter the EV market with its own brand. The company has stated in its business roadmap to increase the current production capacity of one lakh plus vehicles to three lakh vehicles annually.

Government Initiatives to Promote EVs

The government of India has also started many initiatives to promote electric vehicles. Some of these are as follows:

• FAME Scheme: The FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India) policy aims to encourage people to use electric vehicles in the country. This scheme started in 2015 in two phases.
  • Phase I focused on four areas; generating EV demand, advancing technology, piloting projects, and developing charging infrastructure.
  • However, the second phase which started in April 2019 focused on making public and shared modes of transportation electric.
• PLI Scheme for ACC Batteries: The PLI scheme was launched in September 2021 and aimed to enhance domestic manufacturing of advanced batteries.
• Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme: This scheme started in April 2024 and aimed to enhance green mobility and encourage the manufacturing of electric vehicles in India.
• State Policies: Many states like Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra offer road tax exemptions, registration fee waivers, and purchase subsidies to encourage the manufacturing of EVs.

Advantages of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

To understand the need for Electric Vehicles in this era, let’s know how EVs are advantageous to all:

• Reduced Air Pollution: Electric Vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions, significantly improving the air quality of populated cities like Mumbai, Delhi, etc. Switching to EVs will also help India meet its National Clean Air Programme goals.
• Lower Running Cost: Electricity is cheaper than diesel or petrol which reduces the operating/running cost of the electric vehicle owner. For instance, a Tata Nexon EV costs around ₹1.5 per km as compared to ₹6-8 per km for a petrol car.
• Improved Driving Experience: Electric Vehicles offer a smoother and less noisy driving experience. This can help reduce noise pollution in crowded urban areas and is especially beneficial for residential areas.
• Potential for Renewable Energy Integration: Electric Vehicles can be charged using wind energy or solar energy, promoting a cleaner energy ecosystem. Besides, many rural areas are getting solar-powered charging stations to make it easy for EV owners to charge their vehicles when they are not in urban cities.
• Improved Performance: Electric Vehicles provide better acceleration, giving the driver a smooth driving experience. For example, the MG ZS EV boasts a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 8.4 seconds.
• Government Support: The Indian Government has started many initiatives like the FAME Policy, etc., to provide subsidies and text benefits on the purchase of electric vehicles, making them more affordable. For example, the buyers of electric scooters like Ola S1 get the benefit of lower upfront costs due to subsidies.
• Energy Independence: By switching from ICEs to EVs, India can reduce its dependency on crude oil imports, which accounts for 85% of its oil consumption.

Disadvantages of Electric Vehicles (EVs)

Despite its various benefits, electric vehicles still have many drawbacks. Some of them are as follows:

• High Initial Cost: Electric Vehicles are more expensive than conventional vehicles because of the high battery costs. For example, a Tata Nexon EV costs around ₹14.99 lakhs, while the petrol variant starts at ₹8 lakhs.
• Charging Station Limitations: As of February 2024 India has around 12,000 public charging stations. People who want to travel for long distances will not find EVs a better option. Although the number of charging stations is increasing, it is still far from matching the convenience and widespread availability.
• Long Charging Time: Charging an electric vehicle can take several hours which will demotivate the users to purchase them, as they can quickly refuel the petrol or diesel cars.
• Battery Life and Recycling Issues: EV batteries can experience capacity degradation, reducing vehicle performance. Besides, replacing batteries can be very expensive. Additionally, India lacks a proper recycling system for EV batteries, raising many environmental concerns.
• Electricity Grid Dependency: If the number of EVs keeps on increasing, it could strain India’s electricity grid, especially in areas that face frequent power outages, hindering EV growth in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Limited Model Availability: There are fewer EV options in India as compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, and because of this buyers looking for EVs in the luxury or low-cost segments may find limited choices, forcing them to switch to conventional vehicles.
• Range Limitations: Many affordable electric vehicles in India offer a range of 200 to 400 km, which may be insufficient for long-distance travel. For example, Tata Tiago EV offers a range of 315 km on one charge.

Conclusion

Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India represent a significant opportunity and a challenge. With increasing concerns over air pollution, energy dependence, and the need for sustainable mobility, EVs are a major transformative solution. The government’s push-through policies like introducing state-specific incentives and benefits, FAME (Phase I and II), and EV adoption targets show a clear commitment to building a greener future.

However, to ensure EVs turn into reality rather than just a dream, India must address challenges like inadequate infrastructure, high costs, and battery recycling. One way to solve these issues is a collaboration between the private and public sectors to scale up the investments in charging networks, renewable energy integration, and domestic manufacturing. Ultimately, the future of electric vehicles in India completely depends on overcoming these obstacles. With proper planning and collective efforts, India has the potential to become a global leader in electric mobility.

Top Group Discussion (GD) Topics for MBA GD/PI 

Below listed are some of the important GD Topics for reference.

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• Statue of Unity - Symbol of Pride or Wastage of Public Money? 
• Rural vs Urban India 
• Environment and us 
• Self Motivation 
• First impression is the last impression 
• Funding Democracy: Are Electoral Bonds a Boon or Bane?
• Quick Commerce: A Step Toward Progress or a Wasteful Luxury?
• Crime Against Women in India: Who Bears the Responsibility?
• Innovation Vs Invention: What does the world need?
• PM Internship Scheme: How Effective is it in Enhancing Youth Employability?
• Job Reservation in Private Sector: A Boon or a Barrier?
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Reforming Criminal Law for Better or Worse?