Factors affecting adoption of electric vehicles in India: An exploratory study

Abstract

• Investment in R&D and offering various benefits were identified as drivers in EV adoption. • Poor infrastructure and product related technical issue were found as major barriers. • Other barriers were high manufacturing cost and insufficient legislative support around incentives. • Impactful awareness and promotional campaign by stakeholders could serve as support mechanisms. • Continuous testing and improvisation of vehicular performance provide thrust to the EV adoption. • Collective actions by stakeholders can turn Electric Vehicles into a way of life. Although necessary, there are a large number of complex factors involved in making mass adoption of Battery Electric Vehicles in a developing country like India, a reality. This qualitative study encompasses exploration of the drivers for, barriers to, and support mechanisms involved in making this transition successful. 41 in-depth interviews across multiple stakeholders such as automobile manufacturers, suppliers, academicians & consultants, BEV owners, potential customers, and government officials were conducted. Inclination of the government towards investment in R&D and offering financial & non-financial benefits were identified as major drivers. Poor infrastructure and prevalent product related technical issues, high cost of manufacturing due to raw material imports in the country, and insufficient legislative support around incentives offered to customers came up as major barriers. Impactful awareness and promotional campaigns by govt and industry, increased collaboration between industry and academia, continuous testing and improvisation of vehicular performance could serve as support mechanisms.