A recent survey revealed that a majority of new car buyers are expected to embrace new energy vehicles (NEVs) by 2030. According to the study conducted by Urban Science and The Harris Poll, around 83% of the 1,000 Indian participants said they would consider purchasing an NEV within the next decade. Additionally, buyers indicated a willingness to pay up to 49% more for an electric vehicle compared to a conventional petrol or diesel model.

The growing acceptance of NEVs in India is attributed to the rapid expansion of the public EV charging network, with over 6,000 stations already in operation across major cities and highways. This number is projected to exceed 100,000 by 2027, further bolstering the positive outlook for electric mobility.

The survey highlighted India's need to access advanced technology and production scale, similar to what China has achieved in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. China's dominance in lithium-ion battery production, electric motors, and charging infrastructure serves as a valuable reference for India's EV ambitions. Collaborating with Chinese companies could help India accelerate its EV development, making electric cars more affordable and accessible. The survey emphasised that learning from China's large-scale EV projects could enable India to avoid common challenges and fast-track its transition to electric mobility.(ET)