India, having zoomed past Japan to snag the title of the third-largest auto market this year, has witnessed an electrifying 200% surge in EV sales from CY 2021 to CY 2022. This count includes not just e-bikes and auto-rickshaws but also electric cars and SUVs.
However, a noticeable gap remains: certain transport categories, both on and off the road, are yet to hop onto India’s electrification express.
One significant absentee from India’s EV party is the tractor. Given that India’s economy is deeply rooted in agriculture, it’s pivotal for tractors to jump into the EV transformation.
The Role of Tractors
India sits proudly among the world’s top three tractor exporters, shipping a whopping 1,24,542 tractors in FY 2022-23 alone. Yet, diesel continues to be the predominant fuel for tractors. It’s alarming to note that agricultural tractors slurped up 2.6% of India’s total diesel sales between October 2020 and September 2021. Even more so, when you consider the vast number of tractors compared to buses.
Many of these tractors also double up for non-farm tasks, such as ferrying building materials or people in countryside areas.
The electric charge gets a boost when you realize that a huge chunk of India’s tractors fall into a category that doesn’t need to meet the stringent BS IV emission norms.
Plus, with a noticeable shift from renting to owning tractors among small landholders, there’s an anticipated boom in the E-tractor market. Especially since a hefty 30% of tractors we exported headed to the US, where compact E-tractors are all the rage. This is an E-opportunity India shouldn’t miss!
E-tractor Perks
Owning an E-tractor could mean nearly 30% savings over five years compared to their diesel siblings. They’re also low maintenance and aren’t plagued by the range woes like some of their electric brethren.
Big ups to the Indian tractor champs like Escorts, Sonalika, and Cellestial for embracing electric tech. Even the electric tri-wheeler giants, Tube Investments of India, have dabbled in E-tractors.
However, the roadblock? Steep manufacturing and selling prices. Plus, the lack of manufacturing perks and buying incentives doesn’t do any favours.
A Nudge from the Government
In the past, government programs like FAME-I and FAME-II supercharged the adoption of electric bikes. Now, the call is for similar boosts via FAME-III, which is rumored to have a whopping budget of about INR 50,000 Crore.
Several states have already rolled out E-tractor perks, but it’s high time these get integrated into nationwide schemes like FAME to guarantee consistent backing throughout India.
By aligning E-tractor costs with their diesel counterparts, and with accessible charging points, discounted electricity rates for charging at home, and lower loan interests, the E-tractor realm can genuinely flourish.
It’s critical for E-tractors to get a starring role in upcoming government schemes. Their inclusion would not just greenify the farming sector but also electrify India’s overall vehicle space.
E-tractors are primed for their spotlight in India’s electric journey.