NDC Transport Initiative for Asia: Facilitating a paradigm shift to zero-emission transport across Asia
NDC-TIA is a collaborative project funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Government to promote zero-emission transport across China, India, and Vietnam. Implemented by seven organizations, it supports comprehensive decarbonization strategies in the transport sector, providing policy and technical support for electric vehicles, fuel economy enhancement, and greenhouse gas modelling. NDC-TIA engages government ministries, civil society, and the private sector to drive sustainable mobility solutions, address air pollution challenges, and support partner countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Economic, social, and ecological improvements depend on government policies. The NDC-TIA project focused on capacity building and connecting the scientific community with government officials to ensure policymakers have access to the best information for decision-making. ITF, a proud consortium member, contributed to developing quantitative assessment tools in India.
Jari Kauppila
Head of ITF Secretary-General’s Office
International Transport Forum at the OECD
With its holistic, multi-stakeholder approach to decarbonisation, NDC-TIA provides a unique platform to bridge the gap between energy and transport. Reflecting on where we stood just a few years ago, it is very exciting to see how far we have come in advancing cross-sectoral collaboration towards a fossil-free, renewables-based transport system.
Rana Adib
Executive Director, REN21
One of the key success factors of the NDC TIA project was the exceptional consortium of leading transport sector think tanks and NGOs. Working with these partners was a great pleasure and privilege and led to a high level of quality and recognition.
Christian Hochfeld
Executive Director, Agora Verkehrswende
NDC-TIA has curated a trusted space for changemakers in Asia and enabled mutually-reinforcing dialogues for policy and technical solutions. Leveraging their collective intelligence is crucial to empower multistakeholder collaborations for zero-emission transport.
Maruxa Cardama
Secretary General, SLOCAT Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport
NDC-TIA’s recipe for success is its strong partnership of internationally recognised implementers and engaged government departments. Through a combination of technical expertise and stakeholder engagement we supported partner countries in improving their policy frameworks and action plans for zero emission transport.
Vera Scholz
Director of Division Thematic and Portfolio Development, GIZ
NDC-TIA has enabled international cooperation to bring long-term impact on climate in the region. The lessons learned are that we can engage multiple stakeholders in countries to support their implementation of goals in the transport sector. What makes the project so special is that its success has been due to the joint approach by partners and within countries. This includes multi-stakeholder national platforms, supporting electric vehicle roadmaps, linking to finance, and bringing inclusive, gender-integrative approaches.
Benjamin Welle
Director, Integrated Transport & Innovation, WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities
Key lessons of success from NDC TIA-Asia: integrating analytical insights into policymaking is crucial, national advisory committees provide vital feedback to align efforts with policy, and fostering international dialogue through study tours boosts global collaboration on decarbonization.
Hui He
China Regional Director, International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)
NDC-TIA has made significant progress in its first phase, establishing key partnerships and developing crucial strategies for transport decarbonization. Moving forward, the initiative continues to support raising ambitions for the 2025 NDC milestone, and its implementation, promising a transformative shift towards zero-emission transport across Asia.
Increasing Ambition
4 countries have identified more ambitious sector targets and used them for contributions to their NDCs and long-term strategies
Driving Change
5 additional transport mitigation actions set in motion across partner countries
Multi-stakeholder Processes
5 Asian countries initiated long-term, multi-stakeholder processes to decarbonise transport
Women's Empowerment
The 'Women on the Move' network has 1000+ social media connections. Its 2023 mentorship program connected 16 mentor-mentee pairs across 15 countries and 27 different organisations
Knowledge Production
94 publications by NDC TIA partners were published, downloaded 16,500 times and accessed over 50,000 times online
Media Reach
More than 103 project-related news items reached over 45,000 newsletter subscribers, with 116 posts shared on social media
Regional Conference
The 'Low-Carbon Prosperity in Progress: Transforming Transport in Asia' conference in 2024 gathered 130 participants from 15 countries, its media coverage reached over 111,000 people
Shaping Policy & Transforming Transport: NDC-TIA's High-Level Impact
- Supporting partner countries in implementing comprehensive strategies to decarbonize their transport sectors
- Collecting and analysing local evidence to inform policy making
- Facilitating multi-stakeholder approaches by bringing together government ministries, civil society, and the private sector
- Assisting partner countries in achieving their NDCs and raising ambitions for long-term climate strategies
- Supporting the development of sectoral contributions to meet the 2025 NDC milestone
- Establishing platforms for collaboration between different levels of government and ministries
The following three examples illustrate how NDC-TIA engages with national governments to promote sustainable transport solutions and contributes to policy development.
India
Imagine a Nation where Electric Vehicles are not just a Possibility, but a Priority
India is making significant strides in its transport sector, with a growing focus on EVs. The NDC-TIA is supporting this transition, working closely with the Indian government through the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) to implement effective policies and strategies.
From the halls of government to the streets of India's cities, NDC-TIA's work is electrifying the nation's transport sector. It's a testament to the power of collaboration between international initiatives and national governments, driving India towards a cleaner, greener future.
The initiative has made notable progress:
stakeholders brought together
articles and blogs released
knowledge products and technical reports developed
thematic dialogues organized
But numbers only tell part of the story. The real impact lies in the comprehensive studies that are shaping India's electric mobility future. From analyzing vehicle segments to pushing renewable energy-based charging infrastructure, smart charging strategies, these studies form part of the foundation of India's EV transition.
At the core of this transformation is the "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) Vision 2047. Under this ambitious initiative, the NDC-TIA project, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, is supporting the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) through technical studies to support the EV Taskforce Working Groups in creating a comprehensive and inclusive EV roadmap. GIZ India is leading efforts in the essential area of charging infrastructure.
One key outcome of the project is the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, a roadmap for expanding charging infrastructure across the country. This scheme draws heavily on research conducted by the NDC-TIA, referring to several studies carried out by GIZ, along with contributions from other partners. These studies cover crucial aspects of India's EV transition, including vehicle analysis, charging infrastructure strategies, and policy recommendations. The comprehensive body of work of NDC-TIA partners has provided valuable insights that have directly informed the PM E-DRIVE Scheme's approach to expanding charging infrastructure and promoting electric mobility nationwide.
China
Driving Towards Cleaner Air: China's Next-Generation Emission Standards
China, the world's largest automobile market, is taking decisive action to combat air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With its rapidly growing economy and urbanization, the country faces significant environmental challenges, particularly in its transport sector.
The NDC-TIA project has been a key partner in China's efforts to address these challenges. Working closely with Chinese authorities, the project has provided technical expertise, facilitated international knowledge exchange, and supported the development of comprehensive strategies for sustainable transport
A major focus has been the development of China's upcoming China 7/VII vehicle emissions standards, representing a major leap forward in the country's approach to vehicle emissions control. The standards will incorporate GHG emission limits and feature a fleet-average standard design that promotes faster adoption of zero-emission vehicles. This work is complemented by extensive research on pollution reduction and carbon mitigation, contributing to the national Pollutant and Carbon Co-Control Action Plan (2022).
To enhance knowledge exchange and political dialogue, the project has facilitated:
annual advisory council meetings at the national level
annual project conferences with key stakeholders
knowledge products developed
thematic workshops on crucial topics
study tour for the Ministry of Ecology and Environment to Germany and hosting of a Vietnamese delegation from the Ministry of Transport
"China and Germany maintain close cooperation in environmental protection, engaging in dialogues that facilitate experience exchange and support decision-making, e.g. on emission standards, electrification of freight fleets, and modal shift, leading to significant results for both nations."
Ms. Cui Mingming, Deputy Division Chief at the Mobile Source Division of the Department of Atmospheric Environment under the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, at the Closing Event of China Component
As these new standards take root, China's roadmap to sustainable transportation is unfolding, striving to reshape the future of mobility in the world's most populous nation.
Vietnam
Transforming Vietnam's Transport: A Roadmap to Sustainability
Vietnam is witnessing a remarkable transformation in its transport sector, driven by a powerful synergy of policy innovation and international collaboration. At the heart of this change is the NDC-TIA Vietnam Component, working closely with the Vietnamese Government primarily through the Ministry of Transport (MOT), catalyzing a shift towards low-carbon mobility and greenhouse gas mitigation.
A key milestone is the integration of the National E-Mobility Policy, which was strongly supported by this project, into the Law on Road Traffic in June 2024, advancing electric vehicle adoption and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Vietnam is accelerating its transition to Net Zero by 2050, with the transport sector at the forefront. The National E-Mobility Policy outlines comprehensive measures including vehicle fleet transition, power demand analysis, financial planning for EV adoption, and the gradual phasing out of fossil fuel vehicles. Guided by the Vietnam Action Plan on Green Growth, the project has developed comprehensive GHG emission mitigation scenarios for 2050. These projections are instrumental in shaping Vietnam's upcoming 2025 NDC, providing a solid foundation for long-term planning. A detailed Action Plan for 2030 complements these efforts, offering a clear pathway for the sector's decarbonization. Innovation in monitoring keeps pace with policy advancements, as evidenced by the Ministry of Transport's state-of-the-art online system for tracking GHG emissions and mitigation measures. This system ensures transparency and accountability in the nation's green transition, while international experience exchange on charging infrastructure development further supports Vietnam's sustainable transport goals.
On the roads, change is imminent. New fuel economy standards for passenger cars and motorcycles, developed through international partnership, are set to redefine Vietnam's automotive landscape. These standards, now enshrined in law, promise to accelerate the shift towards more efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
To strengthen capacity and foster opportunities for policy-maker collaboration, the project has facilitated:
national dialogues and 2 regional exchanges of which: 1 national dialogue was chaired by the Minister of Transport Nguyen Van Thang with participation of nearly 300 delegates from ministries/departments/sectors, provinces/cities, international organizations, businesses, and scientists.
And more conferences, workshops and meetings
publications and multiple technical reports
training sessions and study tours
The impact of these initiatives will be felt across Vietnam, from busy city centers to quiet rural roads. As the country embraces cleaner, more sustainable transport solutions, the NDC-TIA Vietnam Component continues to drive innovation, supporting Vietnam's journey towards a low-carbon future and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Driving Change at a Local Level
The NDC-TIA recognizes that effective transport decarbonization requires action not just at the national level, but also in cities and regions across partner countries. At the local level, NDC-TIA works to translate national policies into tangible results, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities of different urban areas.
The following examples showcase how NDC-TIA is making an impact on the ground, turning ambitious climate goals into local realities.
Accelerating India's Electric Vehicle Transition: The Power of Information & Engagement
Across India, the transition to EVs is gaining momentum, driven by a powerful combination of information dissemination and public engagement. At the forefront of this shift is Delhi, where a vision of EVs as the norm is rapidly becoming reality.
The impact is already visible in Delhi's transport landscape. The city experienced a remarkable 14.8% increase in EV sales over just two years. This local success has contributed to a broader national trend: in 2023 and 2024, EVs constituted 6.8% of all vehicles sold in India – equating to one EV sold every 18 seconds. The number of electric buses in Delhi surged from 300 in 2022 to 1,970 in 2024, achieving an impressive growth rate (CAGR) of 156%.
This shift goes beyond mere vehicle sales. It's about cleaner air, quieter streets, and a greener, more inclusive future. Delhi is becoming a model for sustainable urban transport, inspiring cities across India and beyond through its Switch Delhi initiative, which has boosted EV sales and raised awareness about the benefits of electric vehicles.
Underpinning this local success is a comprehensive national effort, spearheaded by the NDC-TIA India Component. This initiative has made significant progress on two key fronts: First, establishing the Forum for Decarbonising Transport, a multi-stakeholder platform facilitating policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, and capacity building. Second, completing crucial technical studies on electric mobility, which now guide a national taskforce in developing a roadmap for charging infrastructure under the Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision.
Through these endeavours, the NDC-TIA India Component is raising awareness, advancing policies and tools for electric vehicle deployment, charging infrastructure, and battery recycling across the country. Supporting these initiatives at the local level is the Switch Delhi Web Portal. This comprehensive digital platform provides essential information on EVs and charging points in Delhi. Going beyond mere listings, the portal offers total cost of ownership comparisons, empowering buyers to make informed decisions. This tool has been instrumental in driving EV adoption in the city by making critical information easily accessible to all and fostering public engagement in the transition to electric mobility.
From Delhi's streets to national ministries, the vision of sustainable transport is becoming a reality.
Guangdong: Leading China's Low-Carbon Transport Transition
In the bustling province of Guangdong, a transportation transformation is underway. As China's economic powerhouse and home to megacities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen, Guangdong is spearheading sustainable mobility solutions.
The NDC-TIA project has placed Guangdong at the forefront of its local-level initiatives. In 2021, the province unveiled its ambitious Carbon Peaking Plan, a roadmap that sets the stage for significant reductions in transport-related emissions.
Guangdong's progress has caught the attention of policymakers nationwide:
Over ten provincial and city representatives invited to learn from Guangdong's strategies.
Showcase of decarbonizing transport strategies and electric vehicle promotion.
Hosting of an up-scaling conference to share best practices.
As Guangdong leads the charge in sustainable transport, it's clear that local initiatives can have far-reaching impacts, paving the way for a greener future in China's bustling cities and beyond.
NDC-TIA drives E-Mobility Progress in Vietnam's Urban Centers
Ho Chi Minh City is leading Vietnam's urban centers in sustainable transport with its pioneering e-mobility action plan. Developed by GIZ and WRI, this first-of-its-kind plan has been integrated into the city's master plan under Resolution 98/2023/QH15, guiding investment activities to develop electric mobility at the city level and control air pollution. The plan enables Ho Chi Minh City to make informed decisions on improving air quality and urban liveability.
Hanoi is also making significant progress in sustainable transport. Both cities benefit from newly developed technical and economic norms for public transport activities, crucial for introducing electric buses. These norms provide a solid foundation for the expansion of eco-friendly public transportation options in Vietnam's largest urban areas.
Additionally, in collaboration with Vietnam Register and ICCT, the project has laid the groundwork for new fuel economy standards. These standards, covering passenger cars under nine seats and motorcycles/mopeds, have been incorporated into the new Law Road Traffic Order and Safety.
As Vietnam's cities continue to grow, they are becoming testbeds for sustainable transport solutions. From e-mobility plans to electric bus norms, these urban centers are driving change and creating models that promise to reshape mobility across the nation.
Driving Forward: NDC-TIA's Journey Continues
The NDC Transport Initiative for Asia (NDC-TIA) has made remarkable strides in transforming the transport landscape across China, India, and Vietnam. From shaping national policies to implementing local solutions, the initiative has been at the forefront of driving sustainable mobility and decarbonization efforts.
While these accomplishments are significant, the journey towards zero-emission transport across Asia is far from over. The road ahead presents both challenges and opportunities, and NDC-TIA remains committed to driving change and supporting its partner countries in their transition to sustainable mobility.
The transformation of Asia's transport sector is a monumental task, but with each step, we move closer to a cleaner, greener future. NDC-TIA remains at the heart of this transition, working tirelessly with governments, cities, and stakeholders to turn vision into reality.
The journey continues, and NDC-TIA is driving it forward.
This project is part of the International Climate Initiative (IKI), which is working under the leadership of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, in close cooperation with its founder, the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Foreign Office.
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