by India’s Supreme Court Proposes Phased Ban on ICE Vehicles
Slow Transition to Electric Vehicles
The transition to electric vehicles in India, the world’s most populous country, is happening slower than regulators expected. However, the country’s Supreme Court believes it has found a new way to accelerate this process. The judges have urged the government to consider a phased phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles in the premium segment, arguing that such a targeted approach would promote cleaner mobility without disrupting the mainstream market.
Premium Segment as a Testing Ground
The court suggests that phasing out premium models with internal combustion engines, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids, could serve as a test case for a gradual transition to electric mobility. According to Autocar India, electric vehicles already account for about 12% of sales in premium segments, significantly higher than the 2-3% share in the mass market.
Could a Ban on Premium ICE Vehicles Accelerate Electrification?
Critics point out that premium cars account for only a small fraction of India’s vehicle fleet, so the proposed ban would have a limited impact on national emissions. Others blame weak vehicle scrappage policies for older cars and light commercial vehicles remaining on the roads much longer than necessary, creating a much larger pollution problem.
A Signal Without Harming the Mass Market
Nevertheless, the court insists that requiring only electric vehicles for high-end models would send a clear signal without harming affordability for the broader population or disrupting the country’s new car market. As reported by India Today, Justice Kant noted that automakers already offer a range of premium electric models that match the comfort and performance of their internal combustion engine counterparts.
He explained: “Since these vehicles cater to a very small and affluent segment, imposing restrictions on high-end petrol and diesel cars could be a starting point. The common person will not be affected.”
Government Open to Discussion
Premium brands like Mercedes and BMW already have significant zero-emission vehicle lineups, yet a ban on internal combustion engines would inevitably change their operations in India, which could have implications for local employment and supplier investments.
Next Steps
For now, this idea remains a proposal without clear timelines. However, the Supreme Court has asked the government to review the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, and the next hearing is scheduled for December. India’s Attorney General confirmed that the administration is “aware of this idea,” citing ongoing coordination among 13 ministries and departments covering everything from production incentives to charging infrastructure.
This proposal raises an important question about balancing environmental goals with economic realities. While the premium segment constitutes a small share of the car market, its transition to electrification could set a precedent for broader changes. The success of such a strategy will depend on the willingness of the government and automakers to collaborate, as well as the development of infrastructure supporting electric vehicles.
