Top 5 Reasons Why Indians Are Hesitant About Buying EVs

As the world rushes ahead with electric vehicles (EVs), it's a little surprising to see that India is still holding back when it comes to shifting from cars powered by internal combustion engines (ICE)

You know, buying a car is a huge decision, and it’s not easy to make that leap into something entirely new

Switching to EVs feels like a major change for everyone, right? According to a Deloitte survey, here are the top five reasons why so many Indians are still a little unsure about going electric

1

Charging Issues Friends, let me tell you, the issue of charging is one of the biggest hurdles

Around 39% of people are really worried about how long it takes to charge an EV battery

Plus, 38% are concerned about there not being enough public charging stations across the country

And here’s the thing—it's not just about public stations; many households don't even have the setup needed to charge an EV at home

27% of people are worried they won’t have a wall box charger at home, making it a hassle to charge their car

On top of that, things like solar panels are still not common for many households, adding to the issue

2

High Cost Let me tell you, friends, the cost of EVs is another big barrier

32% of people say they’re put off by the higher price of EVs compared to regular cars

A lot of this comes from the battery, which makes up about 60% of the total cost

Plus, a lot of parts in EVs are imported, driving the price even higher

31% of people also aren't too excited about the idea of paying for battery replacements, which is another cost to consider

And here's a fun fact: 28% of people think that running an EV, when you factor in charging and maintenance, might cost more than a regular car

3

Range Anxiety Friends, I’m sure you’ve heard the term range anxiety, right? And let me tell you, it’s a real thing for a lot of people

35% of potential buyers are unsure whether the range that manufacturers advertise for EVs is actually achievable

In real life, the range often ends up being less than what's promised

And in India, there aren’t enough charging stations for long trips, so traveling across the country in an EV feels like a big gamble

22% of people are concerned that the limited range and a lack of charging infrastructure will make it difficult to travel beyond their local areas, which holds them back from buying an EV

4

New Technologies Friends, let me tell you, the technology in EVs can be a little overwhelming for some

Many potential buyers, especially older people (around 29% of them), aren’t comfortable with all the advanced tech that comes with EVs

These are people who may have the money to buy an EV but just aren’t interested in dealing with so much new technology in their cars

They’d rather stick to what they know

All the complex gadgets and tech features can be a big turn-off for them

5

Environmental Concerns (ESG) Lastly, environmental concerns are on the minds of many, especially when it comes to whether EVs are really as eco-friendly as they seem

Around 30% of potential buyers are thinking about sustainability in the long term

End-to-end sustainability in EVs includes everything from sourcing raw materials responsibly to ensuring that the manufacturing process is eco-friendly, and even making sure the vehicle is properly disposed of and recycled at the end of its life

People are starting to question if these goals are truly being met

So, friends, while EVs have their advantages, it’s clear that there are still a lot of barriers holding back many Indians from making the switch

Whether it’s the cost, the charging issues, or just the overwhelming tech, there’s a lot for people to consider before fully embracing EVs