Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) emit substantially lower greenhouse gases over their entire lifecycle compared to petrol internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), according to a report released by the Centre for Excellence in Energy and Telecommunications at IIT Madras, in collaboration with Immersive Technology and Entrepreneurship Labs. On India's current electricity grid—with approximately 28 per cent renewables—BEVs generate 33 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) in operational emissions, versus 53.84 tonnes for comparable ICEVs, demonstrating a clear environmental advantage even without full grid decarbonisation.

The lifecycle analysis accounts for emissions from manufacturing, operation, and end-of-life phases, highlighting BEVs' superiority despite higher upfront production impacts from battery materials. If powered exclusively by renewable energy, BEV operational emissions plummet to just 0.03 tonnes of CO₂e, rendering them nearly carbon-neutral over their usage phase.

The findings underscore the potential for accelerated EV adoption to support India's climate goals, including net-zero targets by 2070. As the national grid incorporates more renewables—through solar, wind, and hydro expansions—the emission gap is expected to widen further in favour of electrification.

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Experts note that policy incentives, charging infrastructure growth, and domestic battery manufacturing will be critical to scaling BEV deployment across passenger and commercial segments.The report provides evidence-based insights for policymakers and consumers amid debates on transition timelines and total cost of ownership.With global and domestic pressures mounting to curb transport sector emissions—a major contributor to air pollution and climate change—the study reinforces electrification as a key strategy for sustainable mobility in India.

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