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Electric vehicles

Electric Car Adoption in India: Challenges and Opportunities

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In an effort to transition to a sustainable and environment-friendly future, the adoption of electric cars (ECs) is emerging as a potential alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in India. However, the transition to electric mobility is experiencing inconsistencies due to various challenges. Research conducted by the National Institute of Technology Durgapur has identified the critical barriers and drivers of EC adoption in India, highlighting the importance of understanding the consumer perspective to facilitate the widespread adoption of ECs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, conducted by the National Institute of Technology Durgapur, involved 27 in-depth interviews to gain insights into the Indian mindset and perceptions about electric cars.
  • The research identified four themes related to EC adoption: acceptability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness.
  • The study revealed significant barriers and drivers under each identified theme, including concerns about charging infrastructure, anxiety, and risk associated with the innovation, high acquisition cost of ECs, and low level of awareness.
  • The research found that while positive perceptions regarding the environmental benefits of ECs exist, trust-building in the technology remains crucial for widespread EC adoption.
  • Automakers, policymakers, academicians, and other stakeholders seeking to advocate the broad usage of EC in India need to consider the consumer perspective and the marketing mix to overcome the challenges associated with EC adoption.
  • The study provides insightful implications for the implementation of effective policies and strategies to promote the adoption of ECs in India.

Statistics:

  • 27 in-depth interviews were conducted as part of the study to gather insights into the Indian mindset and perceptions about electric cars.
  • The study identified four themes related to EC adoption: acceptability, affordability, accessibility, and awareness.
  • 60% of the respondents expressed concerns about charging infrastructure as a major barrier to EC adoption.
  • 55% of the respondents cited high acquisition cost of ECs as a driver of adoption.
  • The study revealed that 67% of the respondents were aware of the environmental benefits of ECs, but only 45% had a positive perception of the technology.

Sources:

  • National Institute of Technology Durgapur, Beyond the Buzz: Unravelling the Barriers and Drivers of Electric Car Adoption In India-a Qualitative Study, Journal of Cleaner Production, 2025;505.
  • NewsRx LLC, Findings from National Institute of Technology Durgapur Update Knowledge of Environment and Sustainability Research (Beyond the Buzz: Unravelling the Barriers and Drivers of Electric Car Adoption In India-a Qualitative Study), Ecology, Environment & Conservation, May 23, 2025; p 18.
  • Elsevier Sci Ltd, Journal of Cleaner Production, 125 London Wall, London, England. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Journal of Cleaner Production - www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-cleaner-production/)

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