India’s electric vehicle market is experiencing rapid growth, with nearly 2 million EV registrations in FY25, marking a 17% year-on-year increase.
This surge is driven by strong demand for electric two-wheelers and passenger vehicles, particularly feature-loaded and top-end models.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to premium electric SUVs or e-SUVs like the Tata Nexon and Punch EV, MG’s ZS and Windsor, and Mahindra’s Be 6 and XEV 9e that offer advanced technology, superior performance, and aspirational value.
However, despite this growing enthusiasm, challenges like range anxiety and charging infrastructure gaps continue to influence purchasing decisions.
The Appeal of Premium EVs
Feature-rich, top-end and premium EVs are becoming the preferred choice for Indian consumers.
Deloitte’s ‘2025 Global Automotive Consumer Study’ highlights that 62% of Indian consumers prioritize product quality, including safety, when choosing their next vehicle.
This focus on quality and features significantly influences brand choice, reflecting a shift in consumer expectations.
“Unlike developed markets such as Germany and Japan, where price dominates, Indian consumers place greater importance on quality and overall driving experience,” the study said.
The study also reveals that 72% of Indian consumers are open to switching vehicle brands, driven by the availability of desired technology and features.
This dynamic market fosters innovation, with automakers competing to offer cutting-edge features like advanced driver-assistance systems or ADAS, V2V and V2L, fast charging with long-range batteries, and luxurious interiors loaded with AI-enabled features.
Range and Charging Anxiety
Despite the growing popularity of EVs, range anxiety remains a significant barrier to adoption.
Many consumers fear running out of charge during long journeys, especially in areas with limited charging infrastructure.
Deloitte’s study reveals that 36% of Indian consumers prioritize fast charging, emphasizing the need for reliable and accessible charging solutions.
“Consumers weigh EV benefits against practical challenges. Factors such as charging time, infrastructure availability and battery safety remain key considerations in EV adoption,” the study found.
India’s charging network is expanding, but progress is uneven.
Urban areas are better equipped, while rural and semi-urban regions lag.
Innovative solutions like battery swapping and ultra-fast charging stations are being explored to address these challenges, but widespread implementation is still a work in progress.
The Role of Technology and Trust
Indian consumers are increasingly optimistic about technology, with 82% viewing AI as beneficial and prioritizing vehicle-smartphone connectivity.
Additionally, the study found that 88% are willing to share personal data for features like anti-theft tracking, signalling a rising trust in data-driven mobility solutions.
The Ride Ahead
India’s EV market is maturing rapidly, with growing consumer interest ignited by born-electric models of EVs that offer the latest in EV tech and government support driving adoption.
However, addressing range and charging anxiety is crucial to sustaining this momentum.
Investments in charging infrastructure, advancements in battery technology, and innovative solutions will play a pivotal role in overcoming these challenges.
The newer models of EVs like Mahindra’s XEV 9e offer long-range batteries with all the comforts that one can ask for when taking a cross-country ride but the lack of charging infrastructure pan India is still a big hurdle.
OEMs, DISCOMs and state electricity boards must now come together quickly to address the charging concerns.
This will help potential and existing EV customers overcome any range and charging anxiety and help EVs gain wider acceptability.
Rajat Mahajan, Partner and Automotive Sector Leader at Deloitte India, aptly states in the study: “OEMs must bridge aspiration with accessibility, delivering cutting-edge innovation that aligns with practical needs and emerging goals.”
The journey is challenging, but the destination promises a greener and more sustainable future.
About the Author
GoElec aims to inform, educate, and raise awareness about the growing electric vehicle ecosystem in India and the transformative impact of modern technology and artificial intelligence on the way we travel.
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