Electric vehicles or EV are gaining significant traction among new car buyers, with a recent survey revealing that many are willing to consider them as their sole choice for future purchases by 2030. Conducted by Urban Science in partnership with The Harris Poll, the survey highlights a strong inclination towards investing in new energy vehicles (NEVs) over traditional petrol or diesel options. Participants expressed a remarkable readiness to pay a premium of up to 49 percent for these eco-friendly alternatives.
The survey engaged around 1,000 prospective buyers in India as part of a broader global analysis, which included respondents from countries such as the United States, Australia, China, and Germany. The results revealed that approximately 83 percent of Indian participants expressed their intention to consider purchasing an NEV by the end of the decade.
One of the primary drivers of this positive sentiment toward NEVs in India is the swift expansion of the public EV charging infrastructure. The presence of charging stations has become increasingly visible in major urban centers and is gradually emerging in tier-2 cities. Currently, India boasts over 6,000 charging stations distributed across significant cities and along key highways, and projections suggest that this figure could exceed 100,000 by 2027.
Additionally, the encouraging outlook for NEVs is bolstered by the Indian government’s proactive policy initiatives aimed at promoting the EV segment. However, the survey highlights the need for India to tap into the advanced technologies and production capacities that China has successfully cultivated in the EV sector. As opportunities to enhance the electric vehicle landscape continue to grow, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that India faces, particularly in contrast to China’s established dominance in this industry.
China has emerged as a global leader in producing critical components for EV, such as lithium-ion batteries and electric motors, while also developing robust charging infrastructure that is vital for the efficient operation of EVs. The survey’s findings emphasize that without leveraging the expertise and capabilities developed by China, India’s ambitions within the EV market may struggle to remain competitive.
To accelerate the growth of India’s EV infrastructure and to make electric cars more affordable and accessible to the general public, collaboration with Chinese companies may prove to be a crucial strategy. China’s proven track record in executing large-scale EV projects—including comprehensive electric bus fleets and extensive charging networks—serves as an instructive model for India.
By learning from China’s experiences and best practices, India can sidestep common pitfalls associated with the transition to electric mobility and expedite its journey toward sustainable transportation solutions. The insights garnered from this survey underscore the significant potential for NEVs in India, but they also highlight the importance of strategic partnerships and technology transfer to fulfill this potential effectively.
