Retrofitting: the missing link in India’s vehicle scrappage policy
India's vehicle scrappage policy is struggling due to weak incentives and a lack of alternatives to outright destruction. The article proposes retrofitting (converting old internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles) as a more economically viable and environmentally sound solution. Retrofitting offers significant cost savings for consumers, reduces the carbon footprint associated with new vehicle manufacturing, prevents hazardous waste pollution, and creates local employment. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by regulatory hurdles, operating in a legal grey zone, and the absence of clear frameworks for approval, OEM involvement, and registration by bodies like ARAI and RTOs, despite successful international precedents.
India's vehicle scrappage policy is struggling due to weak incentives and a lack of alternatives to outright destruction. The article proposes retrofitting (converting old internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles) as a more economically viable and environmentally sound solution. Retrofitting offers significant cost savings for consumers, reduces the carbon footprint associated with new vehicle manufacturing, prevents hazardous waste pollution, and creates local employment. However, its widespread adoption is hindered by regulatory hurdles, operating in a legal grey zone, and the absence of clear frameworks for approval, OEM involvement, and registration by bodies like ARAI and RTOs, despite successful international precedents.
Exam linkage
GS-III: Indian Economy (Economic impact of policies, employment), Environment & Ecology (Pollution, waste management, climate change), Science & Technology (EV technology, sustainable solutions); GS-II: Indian Polity & Governance (Government policies, regulatory bodies, environmental law).
Syllabus mapping
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