Electric Car Sales In India: Current EVs, Upcoming Cars, Electric Charging Network

• Tata Tigor EV was the highest-selling EV last year.
• Hyundai Kona Electric sold nearly 300 units despite the absence of FAME-II subsidies.
• Bookings are open for the Tata Nexon EV and MG ZS EV.
• Multiple electric car launches and expanding fast-charging network are expected to accelerate EV growth.

Rising global temperatures and worsening air quality have pushed governments around the world to incentivise EVs. Similarly, our government has introduced FAME I and II subsidy schemes and also approved the setting up of EV charging networks in urban centres. But have these initiatives had an impact on car buyers in India? Let’s look at the sales numbers to find out: 

What do the numbers say?

All prices are ex-showroom Delhi

As is evident from the table above, the sales of EVs is much lower than that of combustion cars. The higher price and limited range of EVs is a likely contributor. Currently, Tata’s Tigor EV is the bestselling electric car in India. It became available for private buyers in October last year. The Hyundai Kona does not get FAME-II subsidies and its sales data is available from July to December since it was launched on July 9, 2019. Even then, it has sold nearly 300 units. Unfortunately, sales numbers have not been consistent. 

Why is there a difference between EV four-wheeler and two-wheeler sales? 

The SMEV reported cumulative sales of 4.75 lakh electric two-wheelers compared with 7,000 electric cars. This includes vehicles sold in the fiscal years 2017 and 2018. Electric two-wheelers are less expensive to buy and better suited to urban mobility than cars. In addition, there are many more of them to choose from. The models listed in the above table are the only electric cars available for private buyers. Compare this with the myriad of electric two-wheeler models and manufacturers in the country. 

What EVs are available to buyers? 

Currently, we have the Hyundai Kona Electric, Mahindra eVerito, and the Tata Tigor EV on sale in India. You can also book an MG ZS EV or a Tata Nexon EV, but those cars will be launched on January 23 and 28, respectively. 

Which electric cars will be launched this year? 

We’ll see a preview of several upcoming EVs at Auto Expo 2020. Mahindra is likely to launch the eKUV100 in the summer of 2020. The Mercedes EQC comes in April. Later, we are likely to see the Tata Altroz EV, Jaguar I-Pace, and the Audi e-tron. 

What does the future look like? 

EV charging infrastructure is a limiting factor in the usage of electric cars. While two-wheelers with smaller batteries can be charged at home, electric cars need fast chargers. The onus to set up public charging stations is upon private buyers in India. 

Meanwhile, carmakers are gearing up to launch more electric cars in India. 2020 and 2021 could see some mouth-watering options like the Ora R1 and Renault Zoe. Maruti’s next electric car is likely to set price benchmarks for the segment. 

We hope to see electric vehicles become more popular in India. Not just because they are cleaner and quieter, but also because EV sales will push domestic carmakers to invest more heavily in EV research and development. That’s what will make the Indian automotive industry sustainable.  

Kona sales source