A leading thinktank in India has proposed to its government to limit all new motorbikes and scooters sold from 2025 onwards to electric. The proposal is intended to curb pollution and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.

The proposal focuses mainly on small motorcycles (150cc and below) as these make up 75% of vehicles on Indian roads. There is an even more stringent deadline for three-wheeled auto rickshaws, requiring new units sold to be electric by 2023.

The possible legislation is still in the draft proposal stage, suggested by company, Niti Aayog, which is chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and plays a critical role in policymaking. There was a recent election in the country, with Modi’s political alliance enjoying a clear majority in the results. Whether the new administration will adopt the electrification proposal is still up for debate.

If approved, this new ruling could greatly impact the Indian motorcycle industry, the largest in the world. In 2018, some 21 million motorcycles were sold in the country, as opposed to a paltry 3.3 million cars and utility vehicles.

On the other hand, it will prove largely favorable for motorcycle brands that are already investing in electric motorcycle research and prototypes.

While efforts to restrict internal combustion engines in cars have been strongly opposed by automakers, the draft proposal hopes to appease manufacturers this time with incentives for the manufacture and sale of electric motorcycles and scooters while penalizing gasoline models.

Besides the industrial effect, India has been dealing with severe smog and pollution of late. This new measure could positively impact the country’s air quality.