Decarbonization Avenue : Low Carbon ICE Vehicles

Current Scenario

India's automotive sector is a critical component of its economy, supporting millions of jobs and contributing significantly to GDP. However, with over 200 million vehicles on Indian roads, predominantly ICE vehicles, the transport sector is responsible for around 13% of India’s total CO2 emissions, with ICE vehicles being major contributors. Addressing emissions from ICE vehicles is therefore imperative for India's decarbonization strategy.

Key Statistics

Global Vehicle Count: Over one billion ICE vehicles are currently in use worldwide.
India’s Vehicle Fleet: Over 200 million vehicles in India, predominantly ICE vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks.
Emission Contribution: The transport sector contributes around 13% of India’s total CO2 emissions.
Growth Rate: India’s automotive sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% between 2020 and 2030.

Key Technology

Engine and Powertrain Efficiency

Advanced Combustion Control: Technologies like direct fuel injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing improves engine efficiency and reduce emissions.
Hybrid Powertrains: Combining ICE engines with electric motors enhances fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Alternative Fuels

Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs): Natural gas is a cleaner alternative to gasoline and diesel. Expanding the infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) facilitate the adoption of NGVs.
Biofuels: Using bioethanol and biodiesel significantly reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions. The Indian government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030.

Vehicle Design and Materials

Lightweight Materials: Using advanced materials like carbon fiber and high-strength steel reduces vehicle weight, improving fuel efficiency.
Aerodynamic Design: Aerodynamics reduce drag and enhance fuel efficiency. Innovations in vehicle design, such as streamlined shapes and active aerodynamics, are being implemented to achieve better performance.

Combustion Control Technology

Advanced Ignition Systems: Technologies like laser ignition and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) improve combustion efficiency and reduce emissions.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR): EGR systems reduces NOx emissions by recirculating a portion of an engine's exhaust gas back to the engine cylinders, thus lowering the combustion temperature and emissions.

Case Studies

Bajaj Auto’s CNG-Powered Vehicles: Bajaj Auto is developing CNG-powered vehicles to offer a cleaner alternative to traditional petrol and diesel engines.
Maruti Suzuki’s Hybrid Vehicles: Maruti Suzuki is introducing hybrid models that combine ICE engines with electric motors.
Indian Government’s Ethanol Blending Program: The Indian government’s initiative to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030 aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower CO2 emissions.

Decarbonization potential

The transport sector contributes around 13% of India’s total CO2 emissions, making it imperative to explore low-carbon avenues for ICE vehicles. By improving fuel efficiency, adopting alternative fuels like bioethanol and compressed natural gas (CNG), and leveraging advanced materials for vehicle lightweighting, India can significantly reduce its automotive emissions. This decarbonization effort has the potential to cut CO2 emissions by up to 30%, translating to substantial environmental and economic benefits. Enhanced fuel efficiency and alternative fuels not only lower emissions but also reduce fuel costs, contributing to national energy security and supporting sustainable growth in India's automotive industry.

Key Datapoints

Fuel Efficiency: Achieve a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency for new ICE vehicles through advanced technologies and hybrid powertrains.
Alternative Fuels: Increase the adoption of CNG and biofuels, aiming for 30% of vehicles to use alternative fuels.
Lightweight Materials: Promote the use of lightweight materials in vehicle manufacturing to reduce weight and improve efficiency.
Behavioral Change: Encourage widespread adoption of carpooling, ride-sharing, and efficient driving practices to reduce emissions.
Emission Reductions: Reduce CO2 emissions from the automotive sector by 30%, contributing to national decarbonization goals.

Industries impacted

Automobiles & auto components
Electrical
Logistics
Marine transport
Oil & gas
Power
Rail transport Retail
Road transport

Themes & Topics

More efficient ICEs for
- Scooters & motorbikes
- Three wheelers
- Cars, vans & SUVs
- LCVs
- Trucks and other HCVs
- Buses
Vehicles running on:
- Diesel engine
- Gasoline engine
- Natural gas engine
- Flex fuel engines

Low carbon avenues
- Effiient engine
- Efficient transmission & drivetrain
- Efficient vehicle design and aerodynamics
- Smaller cars & vehicles
- Lightweight materials
- Use of IT & IoT to make vehicles more smart & efficient
- Consumer awareness of best practices for driving & maintenance
ICE hybrids for lower emissions
- Natural gas hybrids for gasoline & diesel vehicles
- Electric hybrids
Fuel efficiency norms
Collaboration
Financing

Low Carbon Mobility

All Decarbonization Avenues @ EAI

Decarbonization Avenue : Low Carbon ICE Vehicles

Current Scenario

Key Statistics

Key Technology

Case Studies

Decarbonization potential

Key Datapoints

Industries impacted

Themes & Topics

Low Carbon Mobility

All Decarbonization Avenues @ EAI

Renewable Energy :

Energy Efficiency :

Energy Storage :

Agriculture & Food :

Waste Management :

Materials :

Water :

Decarbonizing Industries :

Low Carbon Mobility :

GHG Management :

Communities :

Finance :

Platforms :

Moonshots :

India Decarbonization Avenues

LOW CARBON ENERGY

LOW CARBON RESOURCES

LOW CARBON INDUSTRY & TRANSPORT

LOW CARBON FACILITATORS