India: Leveraging EV Success for a National Electric Cooking Revolution
Sustainable Energy Transition and Green Energy Policy: ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
The World Economic Forum published a detailed analysis on January 29, 2026, highlighting India’s potential to replicate its electric vehicle success in the kitchen. Following the milestone of 2 million electric vehicle registrations in 2025, experts suggest that the nation is now primed for an Electric Cooking Revolution. This transition builds upon the lessons learned from the rapid adoption of clean mobility solutions across diverse Indian states. By utilizing similar policy levers, India aims to shift millions of households away from traditional fuels like liquefied petroleum gas and piped natural gas.
The success of the electric vehicle sector provides a proven blueprint for this upcoming Electric Cooking Revolution. Key drivers such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme played a vital role in reducing upfront costs. Similarly, rising consumer awareness through national campaigns and significant operational savings helped bridge the gap between conventional and green technologies. The same combination of strong government support and financial incentives can now be applied to accelerate the adoption of induction cooktops and smart electric stoves.
Research from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis confirms that e-cooking is already more cost-effective than non-subsidized gas alternatives. Electric appliances offer 85% to 90% energy efficiency and can reach boiling points in half the time required by traditional burners. Furthermore, the Electric Cooking Revolution offers critical health benefits by eliminating indoor air pollution caused by biomass and fossil fuel combustion. These advantages make a compelling case for households to pivot toward electricity-based food preparation as the national grid continues to green rapidly.
Strategic policy interventions are essential to overcome the initial capital costs associated with high-quality electric cooking equipment. Much like the PM-eBus Sewa scheme transformed public transport, targeted incentives for commercial kitchens and residential clusters could catalyze market growth. Integrating electric cooking into existing social welfare programs, such as the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, would provide a seamless path for solar-powered homes. Such alignment ensures that the infrastructure for a cleaner energy future is both accessible and affordable for the broader population.
The transition also simplifies household infrastructure by potentially eliminating the need for dual utility connections for electricity and gas. Advanced nations are already pursuing this streamlined approach to reduce domestic energy complexity and improve safety standards. By focusing on domestic manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, India can become a global hub for efficient cooking technologies. This shift not only supports national climate targets but also reduces the heavy economic burden of energy imports.
Strategic significance lies in the decoupling of domestic energy security from global fossil fuel market volatility. By institutionalizing the Electric Cooking Revolution, India is creating a resilient and self-reliant energy ecosystem that prioritizes public health and environmental sustainability. This shift offers significant opportunities for technology providers and financial institutions to participate in a multi-billion dollar green market. Ultimately, aligning the cooking sector with broader decarbonization goals will solidify India’s position as a global leader in the transition to a net-zero economy.
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Source – ESC BROADCAST