The pursuit of sustainable mobility has ushered in a new era, emphasising cooperative alliances and citizen-centric decision-making. Acknowledging the environmental impact of internal combustion engines (ICE), India has committed to achieving “net zero” emissions by 2070. With the transport sector being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, a transformative shift is underway, encompassing changes in core technologies, energy sources, and a surge in ride-sharing and public transportation.

Envisioning the Future:

NITI Aayog envisions a future where India boasts over 100 million electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads by 2030, necessitating the establishment of three million public charging stations. McKinsey”s research outlines nine powertrain options as alternatives to traditional fossil fuel-powered ICEs. This ambitious vision involves collaboration among key stakeholders, each playing a vital role in shaping the future of mobility.

Key Stakeholders and Their Roles:

• Citizens: At the forefront, citizens, especially women and children, are pivotal in driving the adoption of safe, clean, and efficient multi-modal transportation. Their preferences will influence choices between individual vehicles, ride-sharing, and public transport.
• Government and Regulatory Agencies: Governments play a crucial role in shaping policies, incentivizing manufacturers to embrace alternative powertrains, and regulating emissions for higher fuel efficiency.
• Urban Planners: Fundamental to the quality of life in cities, urban planners aim to connect more people to more places while minimizing personal motorized vehicles and promoting low or zero-emission modes.
• Automotive Industry (OEMs and Component Manufacturers): The adaptability and resilience of the automotive industry are crucial for building a world-class automotive ecosystem amid disruptions caused by stricter regulations and intensified competition.
• Power Producers: To address concerns about EVs” power consumption and range anxiety, power producers must enhance capacity and maintain consistent power quality and distribution.
• Software Developers: Software”s critical role in controlling and managing vehicle systems underscores the need for adaptation and innovation in this sector.
• Machine Tool Manufacturers: Adaptation to changing revenue streams, such as additive manufacturing, is essential for machine tool manufacturers closely tied to the evolving auto value chain.
• Sugar Manufacturers: Enabling the availability of ethanol as an alternate clean fuel is instrumental for reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
• Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry: Building a well-calibrated network for the distribution of natural gas (CNG, LNG) is crucial in reducing pollution.
• Other Stakeholders: Entities like the Hydrogen Association, Charging Infrastructure, Battery Manufacturers, and Mobility as a Service (MaaS) providers are integral components of a successful future mobility ecosystem.

A collaborative effort, underpinned by a citizen-centric approach and involving governments, planners, the automotive industry, software developers, power producers, sugar manufacturers, petroleum and natural gas producers, and other key stakeholders, is essential. This unified vision can address challenges and build a smart, inclusive, low-carbon, world-class ecosystem for sustainable future mobility, ushering in a greener and more efficient era in mobility.