Electric vehicle policy insufficient for real impact

In a move presented as a decisive step against worsening air pollution, the Punjab government has announced a phased shift to electric vehicles (EVs), banning the purchase of new fuel-powered cars for government departments. However, critics argue that limiting the transition to official fleets alone is unlikely to significantly reduce emissions unless broader incentives and policies are introduced. According to official figures from the Excise and Taxation Department, more than 15,000 electric vehicles are registered in Punjab, most of them electric scooters and motorcycles, while electric cars number only about 1,500. This is negligible when compared to the nearly 26 million vehicles registered across the province. In percentage terms, EVs account for roughly 0.06 per cent of all vehicles. Data from the Punjab Clean Air Policy shows that transport contributes about 43 per cent to overall air pollution in the province, while a report by The Urban Unit estimates that nearly 80 per cent of Lahore’s air pollution originates from the transport sector. Former Director of the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency, Naseem Rehman, termed the EV policy 'a welcome step'. “Countries shifting from conventional transport to electric vehicles have gradually seen improvements in air quality. This decision will not produce immediate results, but it sends a positive signal and creates hope,” he said, urging the government to also offer incentives to the private sector to encourage EV adoption. Conversely, Qamar Iqbal, head of an environmental NGO, believed that it would be highly beneficial if the government introduced a policy under which anyone who purchased an electric vehicle was given proper incentives. For example, in the case of purchasing an electric motorcycle, a subsidy of up to Rs50,000 could be given. Similarly, if incentives are given not only for official vehicles but also to private car owners, it would bring significant benefits and help reduce pollution. “The government currently does not have enough vehicles to replace in a way that would make a major impact. Therefore, greater benefits could be achieved by encouraging the private sector. Immediate incentives should be provided to those purchasing electric cars and motorcycles. If alongside the announced government policy, a separate policy is adopted for the private sector, millions of vehicles could be converted from diesel to electric, resulting in substantial environmental improvement,” noted Iqbal. As part of the initiative, the approval of new petrol pumps has been linked to the installation of electric charging units. Any new petrol pump will be required to set up EV charging facilities before becoming operational. According to officials, NOCs have been issued for 170 new petrol pumps in 31 cities through the e-Biz portal, all subject to this condition. These include 29 in Faisalabad, 14 in Lahore, 10 in Bahawalpur, nine each in Khanewal and Bahawalnagar, eight in Rawalpindi and Jhang, and seven each in Toba Tek Singh, Mianwali, Kasur and Chiniot. Despite the announcement, the government has acknowledged that converting the entire official fleet to electric vehicles will take time and significant financial resources. No dedicated budget has yet been allocated for a complete transition. Officials have clarified that the shift will be gradual, starting with office-use vehicles, government vehicles operating in urban areas, and selected fleets of police, municipal services and other civil departments. Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman clarified that all future government vehicle purchases will be limited to electric or hybrid models. “A new electric vehicle policy is expected to be announced soon,” claimed Zaman, adding that promoting green energy remained a key priority for environmental protection.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/AIHe5jf