Akshita Singh
India has been witnessing a rapid growth in the electric vehicle (EV) industry in recent years, with a sharp increase in both the number of electric vehicles on the road and the charging infrastructure. As we approach the final quarter of 2022, let us take a look at some of the major developments and updates in the Indian EV industry.
One of the major highlights of the quarter was the announcement of the new National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2022, which is aimed at achieving a 30% electric vehicle penetration by 2030. The plan lays thrust on promoting the use of electric vehicles in the public transportation sector, including buses, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers. The government has also proposed a new policy to incentivize electric vehicle charging infrastructure development and has set a target of 400,000 charging stations across the country by 2026.
In terms of electric vehicle sales, the quarter saw a significant increase in the number of EVs sold in the country. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), EV sales in India grew by 125% in Q3 2022 compared to the same period in the previous year. The two-wheeler segment continued to dominate the market, with the majority of EVs sold being electric scooters and motorcycles. Companies like Ola Electric, Ather Energy, and Hero Electric continued to lead the market in terms of sales, with Ola Electric selling more than 100,000 electric scooters in Q4 2022 alone.
Another major development in the quarter was the launch of several new electric vehicle models. Mahindra Electric, one of the leading electric vehicle manufacturers in India, launched its new electric SUV, the eXUV300. The car boasts a range of up to 375 kilometers on a single charge and is priced competitively at around 15 lakhs. Similarly, Tata Motors launched its new electric sedan, the Altroz EV, which is expected to be a game-changer in the Indian electric vehicle market. The Altroz EV offers a range of up to 500 km on a single charge and comes with advanced features like regenerative braking and fast charging capabilities.
In addition to the launch of new EV models, there were also several collaborations and partnerships between companies to further boost the growth of the Indian EV industry. For instance, Ola Electric announced a partnership with Siemens to set up a manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu to produce electric vehicle components. Similarly, Hero Electric partnered with the automotive technology company Cellestial E-Mobility to launch a new electric scooter model that offers a range of up to 80 km on a single charge.
The quarter also witnessed a major development in the electric two-wheeler segment, with the announcement of the new FAME-II scheme. The scheme provides incentives for the purchase of electric two-wheelers, with a subsidy of up to 15% of the vehicle cost for commercial buyers and up to 40% for private buyers. This is expected to further boost the sales of electric two-wheelers in the country and encourage more people to switch to electric vehicles.
In terms of charging infrastructure, the quarter saw a significant expansion of the charging network in the country. Tata Power, one of the leading charging infrastructure providers in India, announced the installation of over 500 new electric vehicle charging stations across the country in Q4 2022. Similarly, the state-owned company Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) installed several new DC fast chargers in various cities in India, including Delhi and Bangalore.
Overall, the fourth quarter of 2022 was a period of significant growth and development for the Indian electric vehicle industry. With the launch of new electric vehicle models, partnerships and collaborations between companies, and a major expansion of the charging infrastructure, the industry is well on its way to achieving its goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption in the country. The government’s commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles through policies like the new NEMMP 2022 and the FAME-II scheme is also expected to play a major role in the growth of the industry.
One of the key challenges that the Indian electric vehicle industry has been facing is the high cost of electric vehicles compared to conventional vehicles. However, with the launch of new, affordable electric vehicle models like the Ola S1 and S1 Pro, the industry is beginning to address this challenge. The Ola S1, priced at around 1 lakh, is one of the most affordable electric scooters in the market and has been a major hit with consumers.
Another major development in the Indian electric vehicle industry in Q4 2022 was the growing interest in battery swapping technology. Battery swapping allows electric vehicle owners to swap their depleted battery with a fully charged one at a charging station, reducing the need for long charging times. Several companies, including Ola Electric and Sun Mobility, have been investing in battery swapping technology and setting up battery swapping networks in various cities in India.
The quarter also saw a significant increase in the number of electric buses on the road. According to a report, the number of electric buses in India is expected to reach 50,000 by 2025, up from just 800 in 2015. Several state governments, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have announced plans to replace their existing fleet of diesel buses with electric buses in the coming years.
In addition to the growth in the electric vehicle industry, there has also been a significant increase in the number of companies entering the space. Startups like Eeve India and Strom Motors have been developing new electric vehicle models and are expected to launch their products in the market soon. The entry of new players is expected to further drive innovation in the industry and increase competition.
However, despite the significant growth and development of the Indian electric vehicle industry, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the key challenges is the lack of adequate charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. The government and private sector need to work together to set up more charging stations in these areas to encourage widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
Another challenge is the lack of consumer awareness and education about electric vehicles. Many consumers are still hesitant to switch to electric vehicles due to concerns about range anxiety, charging infrastructure, and the high cost of electric vehicles. To address this, the industry needs to launch more awareness campaigns and educational programs to help consumers understand the benefits of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, the fourth quarter of 2022 was a period of significant growth and development for the Indian electric vehicle industry. With the launch of new electric vehicle models, the expansion of the charging infrastructure, and the government’s commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles, the industry is well on its way to achieving its goal of widespread electric vehicle adoption in the country. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed, including the lack of adequate charging infrastructure and consumer awareness about electric vehicles. The industry needs to work together to overcome these challenges and continue to drive innovation and growth in the Indian electric vehicle market.
