Overview
- Adoption Surge: EVs jumped from 0.01% in 2014-15 to 7.31% of new registrations in 2024-25, but charging lags with only 14,450 operational out of 30,000 public stations.
- Utilization Woes: Below 10% usage; 62% in metros, leaving non-metros underserved despite 50% Tiago EV sales outside top 20 cities.
- Consumer Frustrations: Range anxiety persists; apartment dwellers face RWA blocks, multiple apps, and downtime, deterring buys.
- CPO Innovations: CharjKaro’s 1,000+ public points aim for 10,000 by 2027; Tata’s 18,000+ via collaborations; and Mahindra-Hyundai partnerships.
- Policy Push: PM E-Drive’s ₹2,000 crore for 72,300 stations; FAME II’s 7,400; mandates for EV-ready buildings and highway amenities every 40-60 km.
- Global Gap: India’s 5 chargers/1,000 EVs vs. China’s 200, US’s 55; needs 1.32M by 2030, doubling every 14 months.
- Future Hubs: Integrated chargers at dhabas/malls; solar/AI pilots to boost uptime and visibility.
India’s EV Charging Crunch: 7.3% Adoption, But Infra Can’t Keep Up
New Delhi, October 27, 2025 – India’s electric vehicle dream is accelerating, with EVs claiming 7.31% of new registrations in 2024-25—a leap from 0.01% a decade ago. Yet, the charging network is gasping: of 30,000 public stations (Redseer report, August 2025), over half (15,550) are offline, utilization hovers below 10%, and 62% cluster in metros like Bengaluru and Delhi. As non-metro sales boom (50% Tiago EVs outside top 20 cities), consumers cry foul over range anxiety and downtime. With PM E-Drive allocating ₹2,000 crore for 72,300 stations, the battle for reliable infra rages—will it catch the EV surge?
The Half-Truth of Growth
From 1,800 chargers in FY22 to 30,000 now, India’s network doubled yearly (6,586 in FY23, 16,000+ in FY24). But reality bites: only 14,450 work, many plagued by apps, payments, and peak-hour queues. Jaipur’s 25% EV car sales highlight non-metro hunger, yet infrastructure favors cities. “Until charging’s as easy as petrol, I won’t switch,” says Noida’s Kartik Sarma, voicing 38% of EV shoppers’ top concern (Tata.ev research).
Consumer Nightmares: From Flat Blocks to Highway Gaps
Apartment dwellers battle RWAs blocking home installs; highways boast 91% coverage (one fast charger/50 km by mid-2025), but reliability falters. Globally, 90% charge at home/work—India’s 70-75% urban apartments flip that, forcing public reliance. “Frequent downtime hits fleets hard,” notes Exicom’s Anshuman Divyanshu.
CPO Warriors: Bridging the Divide
Startups fight back: CharjKaro’s 1,000+ public points target 10,000 in 2-3 years, focusing on highways and hubs. Tata’s Open Collaboration Framework seeded 18,000+ in 15 months, with 500 Mega Chargers by 2027 (120 kW, 95% uptime via Statiq/ChargeZone). Mahindra-Charj+Zone highway corridors, MG-Fortum/Delta tie-ups, and Audi’s 140+ stations (450 kW Mumbai hub) signal momentum. Hyundai-Kia explores locals, inspired by Shell globals.
Policy Lifeline: Subsidies and Mandates
MHI’s September guidelines offer 100% subsidies for government sites (free public use), 80% for hubs, and 80% upstream for others. FAME II’s 7,400 stations via oil firms, 2019 bylaws mandating 20% EV-ready parking, and MoRTH’s 40-60 km highway amenities by 2028-29 pave the way. “Standardization and interoperability are key,” says Statiq CEO Akshit Bansal.
Global vs. India: A Stark Contrast
India’s 5 chargers/1,000 EVs lags China’s 200, US’s 55, and Norway’s 29 (70% fast). To hit 1.32M by 2030 (45-50/1,000), doubling every 14 months is needed—daunting with grid woes and misuse.
Cultural Hubs: Dhabas to the Rescue
Tesla’s lifestyle chargers inspire India’s dhabas/malls. Tata’s Delhi-Jaipur Mega Chargers at Pappu Dhaba, Statiq pilots, and CharjKaro hubs blend charging with convenience. “Create destinations, not stops,” says Bansal.
The Road to Reliability
Challenges—land delays, grid upgrades, RWA blocks—persist, but innovations like EzUrja’s mobile vans (120 kW, 30-min 80% charge) and Exicom’s interoperable chargers offer hope. As EV sales eye 2.5M in 2025, the battle rages: scale fast, ensure uptime, and make charging cultural. India’s EV dream demands it.
Source: financialexpress.com
Read more about Ev Car News
Also Read
- MG EV Sales Cross 1 Lakh Milestone in India: 35% Market Share & 70% Monthly Volume!
- Tesla India Sharad Agarwal: Ex-Lamborghini Head Appointed Country Chief to Revive EV Sales
- Tesla Driverless Model Y in Gurugram: FSD Display at Ambience Mall—Book Now, Deliver in 30 Days!
- BYD EV Cash Burn 2025: $10 Billion Outflow Despite $100 Billion Revenue – What’s Going Wrong?
- Hinduja Group Andhra Investment: Hinduja Group to Invest ₹20,000 Cr for 1,600 MW Power Boost, EV Plant & Charging Network!
- Tata Motors EV Sales October 2025: 40% Market Grip Amid 56% Surge – Kia Zooms to No. 4!
