Urban Air Pollution Trends and the Rise of Electric Vehicles in South Asia: A Case Study of Ludhiana

The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is regarded as a key strategy for mitigating urban air pollution in rapidly developing regions like South Asia. However, the effects of EV penetration on various pollutants—especially secondary pollutants like ozone—remain complex and context-dependent. This study investigates pollutant trends in Ludhiana, India, from 2013 to 2025, focusing on NO₂, PM₂.₅, CO, and O₃ concentrations. Data were sourced from national monitoring agencies and NASA’s Aura/OMI satellite platform, while EV statistics were obtained from the Punjab Transport Department. Statistical methods, including regression and time-series decomposition, were used to explore pollutant dynamics in relation to EV trends. A decline in NO₂, PM₂.₅, and CO was observed over the study period. However, these trends likely reflect a combination of factors, including stricter emission norms, fuel quality upgrades, and broader regulatory interventions—alongside EV growth. Ozone displayed a nonlinear response, peaking mid-decade and declining thereafter, suggesting complex photochemical interactions. While EV integration may have contributed to reduced direct emissions, further studies incorporating source apportionment and real-time emissions data are necessary to isolate its specific impact. This study offers preliminary insights into the environmental dynamics of transport electrification in South Asian cities.