Revitalizing 4W Electric Vehicle Adoption in Tier II city of India: A Case study of Lucknow through Technology-Policy- Sustainable Framework (TPSF)

Abstract

Lucknow is the capital and the largest city of the most populous Indian state i.e., Uttar Pradesh. It is among the topmost polluting cities in northern India. As per the CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR), vehicular emissions are the major contributors to deteriorating air quality. The transition towards Electric Vehicles (EVs) is not only pivotal in mitigating environmental degradation but also in reducing dependency on fossil fuels. One of the focus areas for the UP EV Manufacturing and Mobility Policy 2022 is to promote transition and faster adoption of EVs. However, the transition and adoption in Tier II cities (such as Lucknow) depends on ACTA (Affordability Convenience, Technology, and Awareness). There is a lack of synergy between the policy objective and the implementation framework. This study aims to analyze and bridge the gap between the two by evaluating the Comprehensive Electric Mobility Plan for Lucknow (CEMP: Lucknow) through Technology-Polity-Sustainable Framework (TPSF). The TPSF is based on circular economic principles. The adoption of EVs presents an opportunity to overhaul the transportation sector in the city. Implementing the policy directives for faster adoption of EVs is critical for achieving the goal of the EV30@30 campaign, thereby contributing significantly towards Net Zero 2070 targets. Insights from this research paper would inform policymakers, and automobile manufacturers on strategies to drive the transition towards a sustainable EV ecosystem.