Castrol has recently conducted a new study that reveals some of the factors which most Indian drivers would consider before switching to an EV. the new study draws on the views of consumers, fleet managers and automotive industry leaders from across India to reveal the factors driving EV buying decisions. 

According to the new study, on average for consumers in India, a price point of ₹23,00,000 (or $31,000), a charge time of 35 minutes and a range of 401 kilometers (from a single charge) represent the ‘tipping points’  to achieve mainstream EV adoption. The research also estimates that the annual EV market in India could be worth $2 billion by 2025 if all three tipping points are met, pointing to a possible EV-powered low-carbon recovery for the automotive industry.
Based on research from eight of the world’s most important EV markets, Castrol’s study examines five critical challenges that should be addressed to promote further growth in the EV market - highlighting the differing priorities for consumers and fleet managers. 
Key findings from the opinion research, which was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020, include:
 
EV sales to power up in 2022
On average, consumers in India said they would consider purchasing an EV by 2022. This is two years earlier than the global average (2024). However, two thirds (67%) of consumers in India said they are adopting a ‘wait and see’ approach. Over 40% of fleet managers said they are waiting for competitors to make the switch before they do.
 
Affordability is a deal breaker
Price is the number one priority for consumers in India with 67% of those surveyed saying that EVs are currently beyond their budget. The ₹23,00,000 (or $31,000) ‘tipping point’ for consumers in India is lower than the global average of ₹27,00,000 (or $36,000).
 
The study also finds that misconceptions about maintenance costs could be stopping consumers making the switch: 83% of Indian consumers say that these costs were preventing them from buying a fully electric car. This suggests that many consumers are unaware that the overall average cost of ownership of an EV over its lifetime tends to be lower than an ICE vehicle.
 
Need for instant recharge
Charge time was identified as the second most important challenge to the mainstream adoption of EVs, and consumers in India said they require an average charge time of 35 minutes before they would consider purchasing an EV. This is several minutes longer than the global average of 31 minutes. Nearly three quarters (72%) of those questioned believe EVs will only dominate on the roads once they can charge in a similar amount of time as it takes to refuel an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. 
 
Call for higher range per charge
Range was ranked third on the priority list, with 64% of Indian drivers agreeing it is a significant barrier to mainstream adoption of EVs. On average, they expect a range of 401 km (from a single charge), approximately equivalent to the distance between Ahmedabad and Indore. This is significantly lower than the global ‘tipping point’ range of 469 km. However, around a third of drivers in India said they mainly use their car for commuting or short journeys, so this suggests that ‘range anxiety’ may only be partly driving their preference.
 
Mandhir Singh, chief executive officer at Castrol said: “The automotive industry has already demonstrated what it can achieve in response to the coronavirus crisis, turning its capabilities to producing much needed medical equipment. With EV technology constantly improving, the challenge now will be to drive a low-carbon recovery and accelerate the EVolution as quickly as possible. Castrol has been working with the automotive industry to develop unique e-Fluid technology to support EVs, from battery coolant e-fluid, e-greases and transmission fluids.
 
Bringing down the cost and charge time for electric vehicles while increasing range, infrastructure and vehicle choice will be critical to persuading consumers to make the switch to EVs.”

Sandeep Sangwan, managing director at Castrol India Ltd said: “Castrol’s global research shows that consumers are positive about making the switch to electric; buyers in India are keen to do so earlier than those in other markets. Although consumers in India are seeking a lower price point than consumers in other countries, they are also willing to accept a slightly longer charge time and a slightly shorter range. These market-specific nuances are important; Accelerating the EVolution provides a clear roadmap for the industry to help support the transition to accelerate mainstream adoption of EVs in India and around the world.”

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Kia India, a leading passenger vehicle manufacturer in the country, has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with ASDC (Automotive Skill Development Council) to promote automotive skill training in the country.

The partnership will promote a 30-day training model module combining classroom-based theoretical learning and practical on-the-job experience. The course includes 15 days of foundational training at ASDC-certified training centers covering core automotive concepts and dealership functions. In addition, it will also feature Kia-specific process to familiarise candidates with brand standards, systems and product knowledge. The curriculum will provide students with 15 days of experiential learning at authorised Kia dealerships under expert supervision.

Joonsu Cho, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “This collaboration with ASDC represents a pivotal step in Kia India’s commitment to shaping a future-ready ecosystem, one that is anchored in skilled human capital and elevated customer experience. By creating a robust talent pool through structured training and certification, we are not only empowering India’s youth with meaningful employment but also reinforcing our dealer network with professionals who embody Kia’s values of quality, care, and innovation. Ultimately, this initiative will translate into a more seamless, informed, and rewarding journey for every Kia customer across the country.”

The co-developed learning model aims to provide candidates with the technical know-how and workplace readiness to be effective from day one. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will undergo an evaluation at the ASDC centre, get certificate jointly awarded by Kia India and ASDC, and eligible for the direct recruitment by Kia dealerships into Sales and Service roles.

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Chennai-based electric mobility solutions provider Refex eVeelz has been rebranded as Refex Mobility, along with the appointment of Anirudh Arun as its new CEO and Ankit Grover as Chief Business Officer.

The company currently has over 1,400 electric vehicle plying across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. Its focus remains on employee transportation, airport transfers and long-term rentals. Interestingly, the company claims to have grown its fleet from a modest 400 cars in FY2024 to over 1,400 at present.

In terms of finances, the company had a turnover of INR 370 million last year, and reported a net loss of about INR 260 million. But now the company is working on streamlining its operations, expanding deeper into the geographies it serves and further make inroads with new customers.

“Mobility is more than just getting from point A to B – it’s about trust, dignity and dependability. Our vision at Refex is to build a fleet and service culture where customers, drivers, and partners all experience that trust every single day,” said Arun.

The rebranding exercise also sees a new visual language compromising of new redesigned logo, a modern app icon and new vehicle decals.

While at present, Refex Mobility only has a fleet of electrified vehicles, it may also look at other alternative sustainable fuel mix to provide cleaner transportation solutions.

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Mahindra Logistics, one of India’s largest integrated logistics and mobility solutions providers, has launched ‘Alyte’, which it said is a premium and tech-enabled B2C mobility service.

Alyte will provide airport-to-city, in-city travel and outstation rides starting with Delhi-NCR region, with planned expansions across Noida International Airport, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other key metropolitan cities.

The company shared that while Alyte has been providing Enterprise solutions for corporate customers, it now will expand its offerings to the B2C (business to consumer) and airport travel service.

It offers assured rides, transparent surge-free pricing, zero cancellations and a premium in-ride experience delivered by well-trained chauffeurs. The service is supported by a 24x7 customer support – with no bots – and live GPS tracking to enhance safety.

Alyte rides can be booked through the newly launched company’s mobile app. To begin with there are two ride options being offered – Prive and Select.

Under Alyte Prive customers will get premium electric vehicles, while Alyte Select features sedans and SUVs.

Hemant Sikka, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “India’s mobility ecosystem stands at an inflection point – demanding new standards in safety, comfort, reliability, and service excellence. With Alyte, we are building on a trusted legacy to reimagine urban and airport mobility through a premium, tech-enabled platform that shapes the future of people mobility”.

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Bengaluru-based electric vehicle maker Ola Electric is set to host its annual event ‘Sankalp’ on 15 August, at its Gigafactory in Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu.

At the event, the company shared that it will unveil its ‘India Inside’ vision across products and technologies. This year, Ola Electric has made its event public inside the Gigafactory, which will be live-streamed on its official channels with more details to be announced soon.

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