It is believed that about 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined in the design stage when the choice of materials, construction and appearance are all finalised. As EVs are promoted as greener alternatives, and the manufacture of these surge, now is the time to think about and plan for the end of life of EV batteries.
Choosing public transportation as much as we can sends a clear message to policy-makers to invest more in public transport. This will bring about a multitude of advantages - broader societal benefits like less air pollution, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, together with individual gains such as increased savings and improved physical health. The heightened demand will compel the government to enhance and expand public transportation infrastructure leading to more employment opportunities and better access to mobility for all.
End of life of electric vehicle batteries must be planned adequately to minimize its negative impact on the environment. In India, the Battery Waste Management Rules of 2022 mandates Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), requiring manufacturers to ensure the collection and proper treatment of all discarded batteries for recycling or refurbishment, while prohibiting their disposal in landfills or through incineration.
By 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) are set to lead the demand on India's power grid. However, peak-hour charging of EVs can create pressure on the grid, risking power outages and reduced charging efficiency. Hence, upgrading the grid to support the demand from EVs and shifting to renewable energy is crucial to make it truly sustainable.
In the last couple of years, Rapido has become a well-known name in Indian cities. The ride-hailing platform, focussed solely on two-wheelers, has been gaining popularity in cities struggling to deal with congestion. Now the other major ride-hailing platforms - Ola and Uber - are also offering bike taxi services. Rapido has also become a household name as it were because of the recent spate of backlash against it and attempts to get it banned.
As EVs are promoted as green alternatives, we are likely to see an increase in the number of private electric vehicles. This is certainly not a development towards sustainable transport, as our road congestion and road crashes rates will remain unchanged. These will then impact on meeting our city's long-term mobility goals. In addition, EV charging stations will also occupy valuable public spaces. The conversation around the promotion of EVs needs to consider and actively address these factors.
Electric vehicles are excellent at lowering #AirPollution & #NoisePollution on the road. But have we considered what #EVs are capable of & what they are not? Learn more about EVs next week. Have you considered switching to an electric vehicle, & why? Comment below and let us know. #Ather #OLA #SustainableMobility
Our public transportation & its network infrastructure must incorporate features that will allow those with physical, visual & auditory disabilities to travel independently. This will include the use of tactile flooring, ramps, braille, handrails, voice announcements, & other design elements. Access to #PublicTransport lies at the heart of several fundamental rights such as the Right to Education & the Right to Life & Livelihoods. We must ensure that no one is left behind. #SustainableTransport
Route maps, & bus timings are vital information to share with commuters - & the bus stop is the most obvious place to display it. A commuter should be able to turn up at a bus stop, make informed decisions about how long the wait will be, & how to plan their onward journey. Expecting commuters to travel blind will reduce overall confidence about using #PublicTransport. This is particularly crucial for those unfamiliar with the service, such as tourists.
Planning bus stops for the Indian weather can be difficult. What material should be used so seats do not get too hot? How should the shelter be designed to allow for ventilation while also protecting commuters from showers? For commuters to consider #PublicTransport as a reliable means of getting around, weather-proofed bus shelters need to be planned and rolled out. #ChennaiRains