Pimpri Chinchwad, a progressive city, is now preparing for a more eco-friendly and sustainable future. Collaborating with the Electric Vehicle Cell of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, along with RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), they have devised the ‘Pimpri Chinchwad City Electric Vehicle Readiness’ plan.
This ambitious initiative aims to increase electric vehicle adoption in the city by an impressive 30% by 2026. Commissioner Shekhar Singh affirmed that the city is well-equipped to embrace electric vehicles effectively. During a recent meeting, measures were discussed to accelerate the usage of electric vehicles. Dignitaries from various organizations attended the event, and the ‘Pimpri Chinchwad City Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan’ was unveiled on this occasion.
Developed with technical assistance from RMI, the plan outlines nine actionable measures to expedite the transition to electric vehicles in Pimpri Chinchwad. These measures include EV charging and battery swapping infrastructure, electrification of public transport, and promoting EV component manufacturing. Stakeholders from over 100 organizations contributed during the City EV Accelerator workshop in February. The plan sets ambitious targets for both the public and private sectors to boost EV adoption.
Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has already electrified over 20% of its fleet with more than 450 electric buses currently operational. The safety of charging stations is prioritized as the electric fleet grows.
Akshima Ghate, Managing Director of RMI India, expressed their commitment to supporting Pimpri Chinchwad’s EV transition and shaping a low-emission urban mobility system. Presently, EVs account for over 10% of new vehicle registrations in the city. The Municipal Corporation aims to lead in EV adoption by developing a comprehensive and regularly monitored EV Readiness Plan, aligned with the Maharashtra EV Policy and establishing a city-level governance structure for EVs.
Achieving the goal of EVs contributing 30% of new vehicle registrations by 2026 could reduce carbon emissions by 0.8 million tonnes over the lifetime of the deployed vehicles in the city. Rapid EV adoption will accelerate urban mobility decarbonization and promote sustainable living. The municipality offers incentives for setting up EV charging stations, and PCMC plans to establish at least 100 public/semi-public charging/swapping points by 2023, with the number increasing to at least 500 by 2025.
