India is witnessing a remarkable surge in electric vehicle (EV) registrations, marking a significant shift towards sustainable transportation. According to recent data compiled by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the country has experienced an eight-fold increase in EV registrations between 2018 and 2022. While Uttar Pradesh leads in total numbers, Assam and Tripura emerge as frontrunners in terms of EV proportion relative to all vehicles.
Steady Growth Trajectory
The numbers speak volumes – a staggering 10.24 lakh e-vehicles were registered in India in 2022, a remarkable upsurge from the mere 1.30 lakh in 2018. This year, up until August, the count has already reached an impressive 8.47 lakh, with a three-fold increase compared to 2021. The growth over the past decade is nothing short of astounding, witnessing a colossal 53-fold rise in registered EVs from 2013 to July 2023, reaching a total of over 28.30 lakh. In contrast, non-EV registrations grew three-fold from 14.27 crore to 34.55 crore during the same period.
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Northeastern States Lead Proportionally
While the total number of registered EVs in India seems promising, it represents less than 1% of the colossal 34.55 crore non-EVs. However, Assam and Tripura set a different narrative by surpassing the 2% mark of EVs in proportion to total vehicles. On the contrary, northeastern states like Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim are facing similar EV adoption challenges as most major states in India. Together, these states account for approximately 5% of India’s total EV count.
Elevating EV Penetration
A deeper analysis reveals that EVs, though on the rise, have a considerable journey ahead. Only seven states or Union Territories have managed to exceed a 1% share of EVs among total registered vehicles. Aside from Assam and Tripura, Delhi, Bihar, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa have crossed this threshold. Nationally, electric vehicles constitute a modest 0.81% of the total registered vehicles, with only 11 states surpassing this average.
Regional Distribution
Out of the 28,30,565 electric vehicles registered in India as of August 2023, Uttar Pradesh leads the pack with over 5.74 lakh EVs. Maharashtra secures the second spot with more than 3 lakh EVs, followed by Karnataka and Delhi each registering over 2 lakh EVs. Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Bihar also exhibit promising numbers, with more than 1.5 lakh registered EVs each. Impressively, at least 16 states have embraced EVs with more than 50,000 units, and nine states have even crossed the 1 lakh mark.
Preferred EV Types
Among EVs registered since 2018, two-wheelers have captured the Indian market, boasting over 13.53 lakh units. The trend continues this year, with approximately 4.90 lakh electric two-wheelers registered. Three-wheelers follow suit, with 11.42 lakh units registered between 2018 and August 2023. However, e-public vehicles, despite considerable discussions, have seen limited adoption, with only 4,780 units registered since 2018. The domain of four-wheeler electric vehicles is also burgeoning, with over 90,000 units registered since 2018, and this year witnessing a record-breaking 40,186 units already registered by August.
Driving Steps for EV Promotion
In a bid to accelerate EV adoption, MoRTH has introduced various initiatives. Notably, the All India Tourist Permit will now be issued for battery-operated vehicles without a permit fee. The exemption from permit requirements for battery-operated transport vehicles has been in effect since 2018, while the fee waiver for registration certificate issuance or renewal and new registration assignment has been applicable since 2021.
The journey towards a greener and more sustainable transportation ecosystem in India is gaining momentum. The surge in EV registrations signifies a promising shift, although it’s evident that there’s substantial ground to cover before electric vehicles establish a significant presence across the nation’s roadways. As more regions embrace EVs and supportive policies continue to shape the landscape, India is moving closer to a future powered by clean and efficient electric mobility.
