The odd-even scheme seems like a hogwash to us considering how many exemptions are being made to it.
The odd-even scheme which was recently introduced in Delhi has affected a lot of car owners in the capital. It was introduced under the pretext of controlling air pollution but has a lot of exemptions too. Example, a women driving a car is exempt from the rule while top politicians are also exempt. Apart from this, CNG-powered cars and hybrid vehicles have also been exempted from the rule. More and more people are converting their vehicles to CNG now because hybrids like the Toyota Camry aren’t all that affordable to the masses.
Then comes another twist in the story. Maruti Suzuki, which launched the Ciaz SHVS in 2015 and later introduced the hybrid start-stop technology to the Ertiga have also been recognised as hybrid cars and thus all the new Ertiga and Ciaz diesel cars are exempt from the odd-even scheme. While Maruti owners will obviously rejoice at this news, we can also predict a significant surge in sales of these two models in Delhi.
The Ertiga and Ciaz diesel models are powered by a 1.3-litre Multijet engine that is sourced from Fiat and it produces 89 HP of power, mated to a 5-speed transmission. The SHVS tech uses a start-stop technology with an integrated starter generator that works as a battery charger during braking and also works as a starter motor. Thanks to this hybrid system, the Ertiga and Ciaz diesel models are also benefiting from the FAME scheme by the government and are entitled to a subsidy of Rs. 13,000/- too (which is given post purchase).
The odd-even scheme has been put on a trial basis till 15th January post which a concrete decision will be taken as to whether the policy should be implemented or not. What do you guys think about this? Does the odd-even scheme really make sense in the long term? What about those people who have only one vehicle and don’t have proper public transport where they live. What about those who travel long distances for work and now have to rely on other modes of transport every alternate day?
