The transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) in an effort to mitigate vehicular pollution may not yield the anticipated benefits. Jaggi Vasudev, a prominent spiritual leader in India, has reignited the debate regarding the effectiveness of EVs in reducing pollution levels. His comments come at a time when the Indian government is implementing incentive programs for manufacturers to facilitate the shift towards electric mobility, with the goal of achieving at least 50 percent carbon neutrality by 2030 and complete carbon neutrality by 2070.

During a recent address in Chikkaballapur on December 22, Vasudev, who is the founder of the Isha Foundation, discussed the long-term environmental implications of electric vehicles. He emphasized that as long as India relies on coal and diesel for electricity production, the promotion of electric vehicles as a means to decrease pollution is fundamentally flawed.

In his remarks to journalists, Vasudev stated, “We are informed that using EVs will benefit the environment. While it is true that these vehicles do not emit smoke, which is advantageous for urban areas, this does not necessarily translate to long-term environmental health.” Coal remains the predominant fossil fuel for electricity generation in India, accounting for nearly 50 percent of the total electricity produced annually, while diesel's role in energy generation is relatively minor.

Vasudev's comments reflect a widely held perspective that electric vehicles cannot be considered genuinely eco-friendly unless the materials used in EV batteries and the sources of electricity are free from pollution. Although India primarily depends on coal for its energy needs, there are alternative, more sustainable energy sources such as hydro, wind, and solar power, which collectively contribute approximately 41 percent of the country's annual energy production.

Jaggi Vasudev's car and bike collection

Jaggi Vasudev is known for his passion for automobiles, frequently observed driving high-end cars and motorcycles. He reportedly possesses an impressive collection of luxury vehicles, all powered by petrol or diesel. Notable among his collection are a Mercedes-AMG G-Class, a BMW K 1600 GT, a Ducati Multistrada 1260, and a Scrambler Desert Sled, the latter of which he was seen using to give a ride to Ramdev, another prominent spiritual figure in India.

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