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Indian EV Owners Preferences
In a recent eye-opening survey conducted by Park+, more than 50% of Indian electric vehicle (EV) owners have expressed a desire to switch back to petrol or diesel vehicles. This survey, which covered 500 EV owners in major cities such as Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, sheds light on the current challenges and dissatisfaction experienced by EV users in India.
According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India witnessed sales of approximately 91,000 electric passenger vehicles during the Financial Year 2023-24. Despite the increasing popularity of EVs, this new report reveals that many owners are grappling with significant issues that overshadow their enthusiasm for electric mobility.
Charging Anxiety Takes Center Stage
One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by the survey is charging anxiety. A significant 88% of EV owners pointed to this issue as their primary worry, even more than the often-discussed range anxiety. Charging infrastructure in India is still developing, and many drivers are finding it challenging to locate reliable and accessible charging stations. This uncertainty often leads them to limit their travel to short intercity trips of less than 50 kilometers to avoid running out of charge.
Maintenance Costs and Repair Issues
Another critical concern for 73% of respondents is the maintenance cost associated with EVs. Many owners are frustrated by the difficulties local mechanics face when attempting to repair electric vehicles. This problem is compounded by the lack of second opinions on repair costs, which adds to the overall dissatisfaction. The complexity and specialization required for EV repairs mean that finding affordable and effective solutions can be a challenge.
Resale Value Worries
Resale value is another area of concern. Approximately 33% of survey participants are worried about the substantial depreciation of EVs. The resale market for electric vehicles is still in its nascent stages, and the absence of standardized tests to evaluate battery quality—an essential component that constitutes 30% of an EV’s value—makes it difficult to determine the true worth of these vehicles. This uncertainty contrasts sharply with the more straightforward valuation methods used for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are typically assessed based on age and mileage.
Overall Satisfaction and Future Preferences
On average, EV owners reported lower satisfaction levels compared to their ICE vehicle counterparts. The everyday hassles associated with owning an electric vehicle have led 51% of those surveyed to prefer returning to ICE vehicles for their next purchase.
Despite the challenges, some EV models have gained traction among buyers. The Tata Nexon EV emerged as the most favored model, with 61% of current EV owners indicating a preference for it. This was followed by the Punch EV, which garnered 19% of the vote. While BYD also drew interest, respondents noted its higher pricing and limited test drive availability as significant drawbacks.
Conclusion
The survey conducted by Park+ highlights critical areas where the current EV ecosystem in India needs improvement. From addressing charging infrastructure and maintenance concerns to developing a robust resale market, there are several challenges that need to be tackled to increase overall satisfaction among EV owners. As the EV industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for stakeholders to address these issues to ensure a smoother transition for potential and current electric vehicle owners.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a significant part of the transition toward sustainable transportation. They offer numerous benefits and come with their own set of challenges. Here’s a detailed overview of EVs:
What Are Electric Vehicles?
Electric vehicles (EVs) are cars or vehicles that use electric motors powered by batteries, rather than internal combustion engines that run on petrol or diesel. They are an alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and are considered environmentally friendly due to their reduced emissions and reliance on renewable energy sources.
