Tamil Nadu’s EV Transition: Applying a Just Transition Framework for Livelihood Protection

In this paper, I explore the market disruption from the electric mobility shift in Tamil Nadu using the framework of just transitions. I use the methodology of secondary content analysis supplemented with expert interviews to ground the case study for the case of Tamil Nadu.
The paper finds that Tamil Nadu ranks high on the metric of distributive justice, but needs to formulate a comprehensive policy to address inclusive procedure and recognition of the workforce. The population at highest risk in Tamil Nadu are informal and contract labourers who work on shop floors, road-side mechanics who do not get trained to repair electric vehicles (EVs), rickshaw drivers, and trucking service-related workers. Next, microenterprises and component manufacturers of Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEV), particularly those involved in ferrous foundries, are vulnerable to market disruptions.
The paper presents policy recommendations to protect each of these vulnerable groups, and make the EV shift an inclusive transition.