Battery replacement expenses, safety risks and charging times remain major barriers to electric vehicle (EV) adoption in India, according to a PulseAI Research study surveying 1,300 consumers.
Titled The Great Indian Switch, the study found that 50.1% of active vehicle shoppers were seriously considering an EV, while 49.9% remained undecided or unlikely to purchase one.
Battery Costs and Safety Lead Consumer Concerns
Among hesitant buyers, battery replacement costs emerged as the biggest concern, followed by safety and charging-related challenges.
Key barriers to EV adoption:
- 23.2%: Battery replacement costs
- 20.9%: Battery safety and fire risks
- 20.1%: Long charging times
- 19.8%: Battery degradation
- 17.8%: Inconvenient charging infrastructure
- 13.5%: High upfront purchase prices
An eight-year battery warranty was the most preferred confidence-building measure, selected by 30.7% of respondents. Long-term reliability data followed at 30.4%.
Subsidies Continue to Influence EV Pricing
Pricing remains a critical factor, particularly if government subsidies are withdrawn. Among consumers earning ₹20 lakh to ₹50 lakh annually, 82.9% wanted EV prices to remain close to conventional petrol, diesel or CNG vehicles.
Meanwhile, 68.4% of respondents in this income group were willing to pay a 21–30% premium for an EV, highlighting varying expectations around affordability.
Daily Usage Shapes EV Ownership Experience
The survey found that existing EV owners travelling more than 60 km daily reported stronger repurchase intentions than those travelling fewer than 10 km.
- 80% of high-distance users were likely or very likely to buy another EV.
- 48.1% of primary EV owners reported positive ownership experiences.
- 53.5% considered hybrids an attractive transition option.
Fuel Prices Could Accelerate EV Adoption
Fuel price fluctuations would increase EV interest among 72.5% of EV-ready shoppers. Additionally, 68% said learning about E20 petrol increased their interest in electric vehicles.
The findings highlight the importance of affordable batteries, reliable technology, accessible charging and competitive pricing in accelerating India’s electric mobility transition.
