New Delhi, December 2024 – India’s EV adoption is hindered by range anxiety, with 58% of potential buyers hesitant to switch due to limited charging infrastructure, according to a new report by Forvis Mazars in India.
While EV sales have gained momentum, the availability and reliability of public charging stations remain critical roadblocks.
Charging Infrastructure: A Major Concern
- Current Landscape: India has 12,146 public charging stations, translating to 1 station for every 135 EVs. This lags behind China (1:10) and the US (1:20).
- Urban Bias: Nearly 70% of chargers are concentrated in major cities, leaving smaller towns and rural regions underserved.
Systemic Challenges
- Frequent Downtime: Technical failures, limited grid connectivity, and maintenance delays impact 25% of stations.
- Slow Charging Speeds: Average charging times of 1.5 to 2 hours exceed the global benchmark of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Dependence on Home Charging: Due to unreliable public options, 90% of EV users charge at home, limiting long-distance travel.
Learning from Global Leaders
Countries like Norway, with an EV penetration rate of 91.5%, have built robust infrastructure ensuring that no EV user is more than 50 km away from a fast charger. Standardized technology has reduced costs and increased reliability.
Recommendations to Bridge the Gap
The report emphasizes the need for:
- Policy Support:
- Subsidies for fast-charging stations.
- Tax incentives to attract private investments.
- Recognition of charging infrastructure as “core infrastructure” for tax benefits.
- Technological Advancements:
- Development of long-range batteries.
- Promotion of battery-swapping for two- and three-wheelers.
- Regenerative braking technologies to extend range.
- Public-Private Collaboration:
- Partnerships to accelerate the deployment of charging networks in semi-urban and rural regions.
- Encouraging private players to integrate chargers into residential and commercial hubs.
- Improved Standards:
- Fast chargers offering global-standard charging times of under 1 hour.
Quote from the Report
“India’s transition to electric mobility requires more than just EV sales. Robust infrastructure and reliable technology are essential to building consumer confidence,” said Rohit Chaturvedi, Partner at Forvis Mazars in India.
