Context: NITI Aayog in collaboration with RMI and RMI India launched the 'Shoonya' programme.

• RMI is an independent nonprofit organization founded in 1982.

About 'Shoonya' Programme

• It is an initiative to promote zero-pollution delivery vehicles by working with consumers and the industry.
• As part of the campaign, a corporate branding and certification programme is being launched to recognise and promote the industry’s efforts towards transitioning to EVs for final-mile deliveries.

Aim

• To accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the urban deliveries segment and create consumer awareness about the benefits of zero-pollution delivery.

Online tracking platform

• This will share the campaign’s impact through data such as vehicle kilometres electrified, carbon savings, criteria pollutant savings and other benefits from clean delivery vehicles.

Benefits & Need

• Decarbonising transport: Transport emits around 23% of the energy-related CO2 that feeds global warming.
• Boost to the research:  In the field of alternatives technologies like lithium, e-metal etc. 
• Reduce Oil imports: Reduce oil dependency while solving the challenge of energy scarcity.
• Improving Infrastructure: Potential for energy savings in infrastructure.
• Employment generation

Government Initiatives

• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 
• Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric vehicles in India (FAME India)
• National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for e- vehicle
• Lower GST on E-vehicle

Challenges

• Lack of Crucial Resources like Lithium reserves
• Lack of infrastructural support
• Lack of Skill & technological support
• Time-consuming for the change

Road Ahead
To spur the production and consumption of EVs and charging infrastructure - such as income tax rebates, exemption from customs duties, etc. There is need to 

• Increase coordination with the government & other stakeholders
• Invest in R&D