South Asia’s Sustainable Mobility Transition

This chapter explores the multifaceted progression towards sustainable mobility in South Asia, a region that is characterised by diverse energy, environmental, and economic opportunities. It argues that the region does not follow a single, uniform path but multiple different pathways shaped by unique national contexts. The analysis contrasts the various mechanisms, such as the industrial policies of India, with the market-based model of Nepal. The chapter also pays close attention to the regional transition, which is largely dominated by the light vehicle segment, giving rise to innovations suited to the region, such as battery swapping. The chapter critically examines technologies of focus, highlighting the agenda towards Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology in India. Additionally, this analysis reveals two critical, interconnected challenges: the contrast between the well-to-wheel advantages of hydropower-based grids in Nepal and Bhutan and the potential impacts of fossil-fuel-dominated grids in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The analysis also highlights key gaps: the geopolitical challenge of raw material supply (the case of Afghanistan) and the acute public health crisis resulting from a near-total absence of End-of-Life battery management, particularly for lead-acid batteries in Bangladesh. The findings can contribute to the refinement of strategies and cross-sector collaborations in South Asia's transition toward sustainable transportation.