In the fast lane towards a greener tomorrow

Don’t push for personal mode of transport
It will be wrong to say that the electric car is the best option available to reduce the carbon footprint. Electric cars only reduce air pollution in the neighbourhood. But if we take an eagle’s eye view of the same issue, we will realise the problem. Electric cars run on a form of energy - electricity - and consumption of the same causes carbon footprints too. The various discounts and tax exemptions given to encourage people to opt for electric cars will only emphasise on the use of personal vehicles. This will lead to more cars on the roads, which indeed will lead to congestion. The blockage means traffic jams which are a major source of pollution in Mumbai as well as other parts of the country. Therefore, the government shouldn’t encourage usage of personal vehicles in any form, since it will be disastrous in the longer run. Instead the state government should focus on better alternatives like promoting public transport.
—Sudhir Badami, transport analyst

Government must be serious about promoting them
To preserve the environment, electric cars must be promoted in the country. The technology to manufacture such vehicles is very expensive, hence to make such cars popular, it is important to make it economical. What the Delhi government has done is appreciable since they are offering incentives to buyers and manufacturers by giving base price discount, lowering VAT, road taxes and registration charge refund. In the same way, if state government will offer some incentives then such cars will be the future mode of transport in the city. While Reva has been launched, it is not a hit since it is quite expensive. Other electric cars haven’t managed to capture the imagination of the people. But manufacturers and buyers can be encouraged to go for the new electric cars only if the government is seriously thinking of promoting them.
—Renuka Kriplani, auto expert, Bloomberg UTV

Popularity will depend on durability
With the demand for Nano on the rise, we can see many wanting to own a four-wheeler. However, this means more fuel consumption and pollution. Whether the electric car will click with Mumbaikars will depend on their durability. Since the distance between the suburbs and city is huge, commuters should be able to travel in a single charge. These cars are small and can easily accommodate four passengers and hence will be suitable for a place like Mumbai, where congestion and parking are perennial problems.    
—Savio Almeida

Battery-operated bikes are a hit
Discounts will definitely attract buyers towards electric cars. However, I feel that today everyone wants value for money. People don’t mind spending more, if they get superior products and a long term solution. So it will be great if the technology of green cars is exploited to its hilt. After all, they cause little noise and air pollution. I bought a Yo-bike (battery-operated bike) last month. Mumbai is a polluted city and if anything can help reduce pollution and environmental hazards then why don’t we go for it?       —Garima Sahney

Discounts may shape buying power
I don’t see any measures taken to curb pollution in Mumbai. In that respect, electric vehicles will help reduce the carbon footprint. The government should prioritise this effort. In India, discounts may compel people to go in for such vehicles, since the pricing determines purchase of expensive items; although, they won’t solve the traffic problem in Mumbai. I will  settle for a vehicle which does less harm to the environment. But factors like cost, fuel efficiency, design, brand and durability will influence my decision.   
—Sahil Shah

Price them less than popular cars
I don’t think concessions will encourage people to buy green cars, because if someone wants to own a fuel-guzzler then no discounts, however high they may be, will deter the purchase. If they price the car less than a Nano then maybe people will be inclined to buy it. There is no doubt that green cars are fuel efficient, therefore if the charging stations are easily accessible round the clock, then we might see a rise in purchase of green cars. Otherwise only a select few will go in for them.   
—Milind Gonsalves