Old to Bold: The Government's EV Retrofit Strategy!

Concerned about the Government of India’s recent vehicle scrappage policy? Worried that your car might end up in scrap? Well, we’ve got some positive news for you!

According to the recent joint report by management consultancy firm Primus Partners and ETB (European Business and Technology Centre), the government may consider offering incentives or supporting initiatives to retrofit old vehicles, enabling them to run on electric power.

From ICE to Electric!

Yes, you heard it right! If everything goes well, you don’t have to let go of your favourite vehicle, as the government may introduce initiatives that enable you to simply replace your internal combustion engine components with electric ones through retrofitting, rather than compelling you to incur the hefty cost of buying a new electric vehicle. This, in turn, will inject new life into your old vehicle.

Vehicle Scrappage Policy: ‘At Its Core’

Aims to replace old and unfit vehicles with newer, more environment-friendly ones. As per the policy, passenger vehicles older than 20 years and commercial vehicles older than 15 years must undergo emissions and fitness tests to maintain their registration.

The report, titled ‘Retrofit for a Greener Future: Accelerating Electric Vehicle Adoption,’ states that retrofitting could offer a means to upgrade the current vehicle fleet, simultaneously reducing emissions and supporting broader sustainability goals in a circular economy.

Collaborate to RETROvate

The report suggests that transitioning from internal combustion engines (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs) through retrofitting presents several challenges. However, collaborative efforts involving government initiatives, industry support, and public readiness towards EV adoption can effectively overcome these challenges.

Benefits of Retrofitting:

• Cost savings: The cost per km of EVs is significantly lower than that of petrol or diesel.
• Reduced maintenance costs: Electric vehicles have lower maintenance expenses compared to ICE vehicles.
• Improved comfort: EVs offer a quieter and less vibrational driving experience.
• Environmental contribution: Retrofitting helps contribute to a greener community.