From defunct public chargers to non-existent parking spots, what's holding back EVs in India

The day 1 of Delhi Auto Expo saw a slew of launches from Hyundai's Electric Creta to Maruti's e-Vitara. Despite the buzz, the EV industry is still facing the charging issues.

India's electric car market is facing significant hurdles due to insufficient public charging infrastructure and difficulties installing home chargers. Early adopters are encountering non-functional public charging stations and resistance from resident associations when attempting home installations, even in luxury apartments.

While automakers promote "connected" electric vehicles, the reality for many drivers is a struggle to find reliable charging. A recent incident involved a student needing a tow after finding multiple charging stations in central Delhi out of service. One auto company executive resorted to using a generator to charge their vehicle due to power supply issues. Range anxiety is a major concern, leading some drivers to carry portable generators for long trips.


Charging times at home are lengthy (6-8 hours), and public charging options remain limited, with many offering low power and lacking fast chargers. Theft of charging equipment is also a problem nationwide. A study by Ficci and Yes Bank revealed that out of 25,000 installed electric chargers in India, only 12,100 were operational as of February 2024. Most chargers are concentrated in Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

Car parking is another obstacle. "Nearly 90% of people do not have a fixed parking spot. This means, it will be difficult for them to have a fixed place for home charging," an industry executive explained. Automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Mahindra, and Tata are working to expand the charging network, but significant challenges remain for widespread electric car adoption in India.