India EV Road Fit: TERI-PNGRB Multi-Fuel Strategy Needed

Electric vehicles may be the future of clean mobility, but a new study by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) suggests that a blanket EV push is not suited to every road segment in India. The report, highlighted by Telegraph India, argues that India needs a multi-fuel transport strategy that recognises the diversity of its roads, freight corridors and passenger needs. For a country where transport demand spans congested city lanes, long-haul highways and rugged rural routes, a single-technology answer is unlikely to work, analysts say.

The study points out that different vehicle segments have different duty cycles. Electric vehicles work best where trips are short, predictable and where charging infrastructure is dense. But for long-distance freight, heavy commercial vehicles and routes that pass through areas with weak grid reliability, other fuels — including CNG, LNG, biofuels and hydrogen blends — may deliver better emissions and cost outcomes. A multi-fuel approach, the report suggests, would let India cut emissions without compromising on mobility or energy security.

The findings come as India pushes hard on EV adoption through schemes such as FAME and state-level incentives. While electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers have gained traction, the passenger car and truck segments remain harder to electrify. The TERI-PNGRB study does not dismiss EVs; instead, it places them within a broader energy mix. This is a pragmatic stance for a country that imports a large share of its crude oil and must balance decarbonisation with affordability and availability.

Analysts say that a multi-fuel strategy can help India avoid stranded investments in charging infrastructure where utilisation is low, while still supporting electrification in high-density corridors. The study underscores that no single fuel can meet the needs of every road segment in India.

For policymakers, the message is clear: India's transport transition must be segment-specific. Cities with high traffic density can lead on electrification, supported by charging networks and grid upgrades. Freight corridors may need a different mix, including gas-based fuels and eventually hydrogen. Rural and semi-urban routes may continue to rely on liquid fuels, with biofuels offering a lower-carbon option. Such a differentiated approach could also reduce the pressure on the power grid and on the exchequer.

Industry watchers note that a multi-fuel strategy is not without challenges. It requires coordinated standards, safety norms, and investment across several fuel value chains. It also demands clear signalling to manufacturers, who must plan product portfolios years in advance. Yet, the alternative — forcing one fuel to fit all use cases — risks inefficiency and slower overall progress, analysts say.

The TERI-PNGRB study adds to a growing body of work suggesting that India's energy transition will be plural, not singular. As the country scales up renewables and explores green hydrogen, the transport sector will likely see a blend of technologies. For consumers, that could mean more choice and, potentially, lower running costs depending on usage. For the planet, it could mean meaningful emissions cuts without sacrificing mobility.

As India charts its path to net zero, the debate is shifting from 'EV versus ICE' to 'which fuel for which road'. The TERI-PNGRB study makes a strong case for flexibility. Whether it translates into policy will depend on how quickly stakeholders align on standards, infrastructure and incentives. For now, the report is a timely reminder that India's roads are as diverse as its people — and its fuel strategy should be too.

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