ITDP India

Promoting sustainable and equitable transportation worldwide

Accelerating Clean Mobility through India’s ZEV Opportunity

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This publication dives into India’s electric bus journey and what’s holding it back. and the urgent steps needed to make it real. While buses move over 32 crore passengers every day, only a small fraction are electric. It unpacks why this gap persists, pointing to challenges like limited manufacturing capacity, inconsistent procurement, and over-reliance on short-term incentives.

Through engaging data, expert perspectives, and real-world stories, it introduces Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) availability standards, a globally proven policy tool that can transform India’s e-bus ecosystem. Drawing lessons from leaders like China and California, it lays out a clear, phased roadmap for India to electrify its bus fleets, boost local manufacturing, and cut urban emissions.

We hope this serves as a practical guide for State Transport Undertakings (STUs), the private bus sector, and policymakers at both national and state levels to frame supply-side regulations and standards that accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility.

Click to download the full publication here: Accelerating Clean Mobility through India’s ZEV Opportunity

 

 

 

Status Report on Public Charging of Electric Vehicles in Tamil Nadu

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The report, jointly prepared by Guidance Tamil Nadu and ITDP India, provides a comprehensive assessment of the current status of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. It examines existing policy frameworks, market dynamics, and stakeholder perspectives to identify key challenges hindering growth. The analysis underscores the urgent need to scale up charging infrastructure to match the state’s EV adoption goals. Drawing on best practices from other states, the report outlines actionable recommendations to strengthen planning, investment, and implementation mechanisms.

Click here to download the full report.

 

 

 

Tamil Nadu Public Charging Infrastructure Guidelines

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The Tamil Nadu Public Charging Infrastructure Guidelines marks India’s first comprehensive state-specific framework to guide the setting up of public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The document has been jointly developed by the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Industries Department, Guidance Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Ltd (TNGECL), Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL), with technical support from ITDP India.

The guidelines provide a structured reference for future EV infrastructure planning and implementation across both urban and regional areas. One can find the following topics covered in the guidelines-

  1. Spatial site identification
  2. Regulatory norms and standard
  3. EV charging infrastructure demand assessment
  4. Public-private collaboration opportunities
  5. The technical and safety standards.

This resource is intended to support policymakers, urban planners, and operators by offering clear guidance on the planning, deployment, and management of EV public charging infrastructure in Tamil Nadu.

Click to download the full report: Tamil Nadu Public Charging Infrastructure Guidelines

The 30-page pocket version of the Guidelines can be accessed in English here.

For the Tamil Pocket Guidelines, click here.

Accelerating Sustainability: Electrifying Tamil Nadu’s Private Bus Sector

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This publication explores the electrification potential of Tamil Nadu’s private bus sector, which operates over 8,500 buses on stage carriage permits, serving nearly 48 lakh passengers daily across urban and rural areas. Despite playing a vital role alongside State Transport Undertakings, the sector faces severe challenges—post-COVID ridership declines, high diesel costs, and ageing fleets—all while lacking government financial support.

The report highlights how electrifying these buses can curb 87.83 lakh tonnes of CO₂ emissions, save ₹24,000 crore in fuel costs over 12 years, and reduce operational costs by 30–50%. Based on a survey of 153 private operators, it also captures their readiness to adopt electric buses if supported by leasing models, improved charging infrastructure, and regulatory reforms. With practical recommendations to overcome key barriers, the publication lays out a roadmap for Tamil Nadu to lead India’s clean mobility transition.

Click to download the full report here: Accelerating Sustainability: Electrifying Tamil Nadu’s Private Bus Sector