Survey Sheds Light On Electric Vehicle Ownership Challenges In India

Park+ has unveiled a report based on a recent survey, shedding light on the experiences of electric vehicle (EV) owners in India. The survey gathered responses from 500 EV car owners across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore.According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), nearly 91,000 electric passenger vehicles were sold in India during the Financial Year 2023-24.

EV Owners In India Face Key Challenges 1

A significant 88 per cent of EV owners identified charging anxiety as their primary concern, surpassing the more frequently discussed range anxiety. This issue has led many drivers to restrict their travels to short intercity trips under 50 km.Additionally, maintenance costs emerged as a major grey area for 73 per cent of respondents. Many EV owners find it problematic that even local mechanics struggle to fix an EV.

Popular Models Among Buyers

The Tata Nexon EV stood out as the most popular choice among current EV owners, with 61 per cent favouring it. It was followed by the Punch EV at 19 per cent. BYD also attracted attention; however, respondents noted its higher pricing and limited test drive availability as drawbacks.

Moreover, a substantial fall in the resale value of EVs was a worry for 33 per cent of respondents. While the resale market for EVs is still developing, the current lack of standardized tests to evaluate battery quality, which constitutes 30 per cent of an EV's value, makes it difficult to assess its true worth. This uncertainty contrasts sharply with the straightforward valuation of ICE vehicles based on age and mileage.

EV Owners In India Face Key Challenges 3

Maintenance and Resale Concerns

The inability to obtain second opinions on repair costs further compounded their concerns. On average, EV owners reported lower satisfaction compared to ICE vehicle owners due to everyday hassles. Notably, 51 per cent of surveyed EV owners expressed a preference for returning to ICE vehicles for their next purchase.

In summary, while electric vehicles are gaining popularity in India, several challenges remain for current owners. Charging anxiety and maintenance issues are significant concerns that need addressing. The resale market for EVs also requires development to provide better value assessments.

Article Published On: Saturday, July 27, 2024, 15:30 [IST]
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