Abstract:

The transition from conventional internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) has become an important component of India's strategy for reducing fossil-fuel dependence, improving energy security, lowering transport-related emissions, and promoting sustainable mobility. Electric mobility in India is developing across two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, buses, and commercial vehicles, although the pace of adoption varies considerably among vehicle categories and consumer groups. The present study investigates the adoption of electric vehicles in India with particular emphasis on consumer behaviour, economic factors, government policies, technological developments, charging infrastructure, ownership costs, and emerging market trends. The study is based on a comprehensive review of academic literature, government publications, automobile-industry reports, and international energy assessments published between 2017 and 2026. Recent evidence indicates rapid growth in India's electric two- and three-wheeler markets, while passenger-car adoption remains at an earlier stage. In 2025, India's total EV sales reached approximately 2.3 million units, while electric car sales increased by more than 75% to approximately 165,000 units. Electric three-wheeler sales approached 800,000 units, and India remained the world's largest electric three-wheeler market. Consumer decisions are influenced by purchase price, fuel savings, total cost of ownership, battery range, charging availability, vehicle performance, government incentives, environmental awareness, brand reputation, and resale expectations. The study finds that declining battery costs, expanding model availability, policy support, digital technologies, and increasing consumer awareness are strengthening EV adoption. However, high initial purchase prices, charging infrastructure gaps, range anxiety, battery-related concerns, financing constraints, and uncertainty regarding resale value continue to restrict mass adoption. The study concludes that India's EV transition requires an integrated approach combining affordable vehicles, reliable charging infrastructure, stable policy support, domestic manufacturing, consumer education, battery recycling, and innovative financing mechanisms.

Keywords:

Electric Vehicles; EV Adoption; Consumer Behaviour.

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Methods