Comparative Assessment of Vehicular Fuels in India’s Energy Transition: A Multi-Dimensional Approach

New Delhi, 30 September 2026: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) will release the findings of its latest report, “Comparative Assessment of Vehicular Fuels in India’s Energy Transition: A Multi-Dimensional Approach,” at the Taj Mahal Hotel, Man Singh Road, New Delhi. The study evaluates five fuel and technology pathways—petrol, diesel, CNG, electricity, and LNG—across six major vehicle segments: two-wheelers, three-wheelers, private four-wheelers, commercial four-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Using an integrated multi-criteria assessment framework, the study evaluates technologies across technical, environmental, economic, social, and geopolitical parameters. By evaluating vehicle categories alongside varying regional and duty-cycle contexts, the framework provides an evidence-based foundation to assess evolving technologies, operating conditions, and market dynamics over time.

The study’s central finding underscores that a uniform, one-size-fits-all fuel policy is ill-suited to India’s diverse mobility landscape. Instead, it calls for a segmented transition strategy where complementary fuels coexist across specific vehicle classes and geographies. While economic viability remains the primary determinant of adoption, infrastructure readiness, life-cycle emissions, vehicle characteristics, affordability, and energy security significantly shape overall technology choice. The findings highlight strong momentum for electrification in smaller and urban segments, sustained relevance for CNG across passenger and commercial fleets, and a targeted role for LNG in long-haul freight operations.

The report will be unveiled at a dedicated launch event featuring a technical presentation of key insights, followed by a panel discussion on “Navigating India’s Multi-Fuel Future: Policy, Technology, and Market Readiness.” The forum will convene policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, infrastructure developers, and transport researchers to discuss transition pathways for India's vehicular sector.