7th Int. Conf.
on Advanced Technology and Engineering Trends (ICATET-2024), 24-25 June 2024, ACEIT Jaipur
The Current Landscape of Electric Vehicles in
India: Developments and Challenges
Satyendra Pratap Singh Rachna Tyagi
Arya College of Engineering & IT Arya College of Engineering & IT
Jaipur, Rajasthan Jaipur, Rajasthan
satya.989@gmail.com er.rachnatyagi@gmail.com
Abstract- India's push towards sustainable mobility has
placed electric vehicles (EVs) at the forefront of its
transportation strategy. This paper reviews the current state of
EV development in India, exploring advancements in
technology, policy initiatives, market dynamics, and the
challenges that lie ahead. Through a comprehensive literature
survey, this paper synthesizes the key developments and
obstacles in the EV sector, providing a nuanced understanding
of India's journey towards electric mobility.
Keywords: Electric vehicles (EVs), Sustainable Mobility,
Battery Technology, Charging Infrastructure, Policy Framework,
Market Dynamics.
1. INTRODUCTION
Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a pivotal
solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependency
on fossil fuels. The transportation sector is one of the largest
contributors to air pollution and carbon emissions globally,
and India is no exception. Transitioning to electric mobility
is seen as a crucial step towards the mitigating environmental
impacts, enhancing energy security, and fostering economic
growth through the creation of new sectors, industries and
jobs.
India's commitment to EVs is reflected in its ambitious
targets and comprehensive policies aimed at promoting
electric mobility. The government envisions a future where
electric vehicles play a dominant role in the country's
transportation landscape, contributing to cleaner air and a
reduction in oil imports. This vision is supported by various
initiatives, including subsidies for EV purchases, investment
in charging infrastructure, and incentives for domestic
manufacturing of EV components.
The primary objectives of this paper are to review the
current landscape of EV development in India, examine the
technological advancements that are driving the sector
forward, analyze the policy frameworks that support EV
adoption, assess the market dynamics influencing consumer
and investor behavior, and identify the challenges that need
to be addressed to accelerate the transition to electric
mobility. By synthesizing information from a broad range of
sources, this paper aims to provide a complete
comprehensive overview of the state of electric vehicles in
India.
Gajendra Teli
Arya College of Engineering & IT
Jaipur, Rajasthan
gajendrateli2003@gmail.com
2. TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS
A. Battery Technology
Battery technology is critical to the success of EVs.
Recent advancements in lithium-ion batteries have improved
energy density and reduced costs, making EVs more viable
for mass adoption [1]. India is investing in research and
development (R&D) for alternative battery technologies such
as solid-state batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries to further
enhance performance and safety [2]-[3].
B. Charging Infrastructure
The expansion of charging infrastructure is crucial for
EV adoption. India has seen significant growth in public
charging stations, with major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and
Bangalore leading the way [4]. The government’s Faster
Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
(FAME) scheme has been instrumental in funding the
deployment of charging stations across the country [5].
C. Vehicle Technology
Indian manufacturers are focusing on developing EVs
tailored to local conditions. Companies like Tata Motors and
Mahindra Electric are producing affordable electric cars and
two-wheelers suitable for Indian roads and climate [6]-[7].
Innovations in power electronics, lightweight materials, and
electric drivetrains are also contributing to better vehicle
performance and efficiency [8].
To illustrate the advancements in vehicle technology by
Indian manufacturers, we can compare the specifications and
features of popular electric vehicles from Tata Motors and
Mahindra Electric with those of their conventional internal
combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This comparison
highlights the improvements in range, performance, and cost-
efficiency that EVs offer. Additionally, the environmental
benefits of reduced emissions and lower carbon footprints are
significant factors driving the shift towards electric vehicles.
Government incentives and policies supporting EV adoption
further enhance their appeal. Moreover, the growing network
of charging infrastructure is making EVs a more convenient
and practical choice for consumers. These developments
collectively demonstrate the strides Indian manufacturers are
making in the automotive industry.
 7th Int. Conf. on Advanced Technology and Engineering Trends (ICATET-2024), 24-25 June 2024, ACEIT Jaipur

Table 1: Comparative Data of EVs and ICE Vehicles by Indian Manufacturers

Tata Nexon EV Mahindra eVerito Mahindra

Feature Tata Nexon (ICE)
(Electric) (Electric) Verito (ICE)
Petrol/Diesel
Powertrain Electric Motor Petrol/Diesel Engine Electric Motor
Engine

30.2 kWh 1.2L Turbocharged 21.2 kWh Lithium- 1.5L Petrol / 1.5L
Battery/Engine Capacity
Lithium-ion Petrol / 1.5L Diesel ion Diesel

312 km (ARAI 17 kmpl (Petrol) / 21 181 km (ARAI 18 kmpl (Petrol) /

Range/Mileage
certified) kmpl (Diesel) certified) 21 kmpl (Diesel)

60 mins (DC fast 90 mins (DC fast

Charging Time/Fuel Fill-up 5 minutes 5 minutes
charging to 80%) charging to 80%)

Top Speed 120 km/h 180 km/h 86 km/h 160 km/h

11.5 seconds (Petrol) 12.6 seconds

Acceleration (0-100 km/h) 9.9 seconds / 13.5 seconds 11.2 seconds (Petrol) / 13.8
(Diesel) seconds (Diesel)
₹14.29 - ₹16.90 ₹7.49 - ₹13.90 ₹7.48 - ₹8.87
Cost (Ex-showroom) ₹9.12 - ₹9.46 Lakhs
Lakhs Lakhs Lakhs
Maintenance Cost (Annual) Lower Higher Lower Higher
CO2 and other CO2 and other
Environmental Impact Zero Emissions Zero Emissions
emissions emissions

After analysing all the data, we get:
a) Powertrain and Performance: EVs like the Tata Nexon
EV and Mahindra eVerito are equipped with electric motors
that offer instant torque, resulting in better acceleration
compared to their ICE counterparts. For instance, the Tata
Nexon EV accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds,
while the ICE version takes 11.5-13.5 seconds.
b) Range and Efficiency: The range of EVs is steadily
improving, with the Tata Nexon EV offering a range of 312
km on a single charge. Although the range is lower
compared to the mileage of ICE vehicles, ongoing
advancements in battery technology are expected to bridge
this gap further.
c) Cost: While the initial purchase price of EVs is higher
due to the cost of the battery, the overall cost of ownership
is lower because of reduced fuel and maintenance
expenses. EVs have fewer moving parts and do not require
oil changes, which significantly lowers maintenance costs.
d) Environmental Impact: EVs have zero tailpipe
emissions, making them a cleaner alternative to ICE
vehicles. This is particularly beneficial for reducing urban
air pollution and contributing to climate change mitigation
efforts.
e) Charging vs. Fuelling: Charging times for EVs have
improved with the availability of DC fast chargers, which
can charge up to 80% of the battery in about an hour.
However, fuelling an ICE vehicle still takes significantly
less time. The expansion of the charging infrastructure will
help mitigate the convenience gap between charging and
fuelling.
This comparative analysis demonstrates that while there
are still challenges related to range and initial cost, the
technological advancements in EVs by Indian
manufacturers are making them an increasingly viable and
attractive option for consumers. Continued innovation and
investment in EV technology are expected to further
enhance their performance and affordability, driving greater
adoption in the Indian market.
3. POLICY FRAMEWORK
A. National Policies
The Indian government has introduced several
policies to promote EV adoption. The National Electric
Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) aims to achieve national
fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles [9].
The FAME scheme, launched in 2015, provides incentives
for the purchase of electric and hybrid vehicles and supports
infrastructure development [10].
B. State Policies
Several Indian states have formulated their own EV
policies to attract investments and promote local
manufacturing. States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and
 7th Int. Conf. on Advanced Technology and Engineering Trends (ICATET-2024), 24-25 June 2024, ACEIT Jaipur
Maharashtra offer tax incentives, subsidies, and
infrastructural support to boost EV adoption [11]-[12].
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
A. Market Growth
The EV market in India is witnessing robust growth,
driven by increasing environmental awareness and
supportive government policies. The market for electric
two-wheelers is particularly strong, with companies like Ola
Electric and Ather Energy leading the segment [13]-[14].
B. Consumer Acceptance
Consumer acceptance of EVs is growing, though
challenges such as range anxiety, high initial costs, and
limited model availability persist [15]. Awareness
campaigns and educational initiatives are essential to
address misconceptions and promote the benefits of EVs
[16].
C. Investments and Partnerships
There has been a surge in investments and strategic
partnerships in the Indian EV sector. Global players like
Tesla are eyeing the Indian market, while domestic
companies are entering into joint ventures with international
firms to leverage technology and expertise [17][18].
5. CHALLENGES
A. High Costs
The high initial cost of EVs remains a significant barrier
to widespread adoption. Although battery costs are
declining, they still constitute a substantial portion of the
vehicle’s price [19]. Efforts to localize manufacturing and
economies of scale are expected to bring down costs in the
future [20]. Factors Contributing to High Costs:
i. Battery Costs:
- Significant Portion of EV Cost: The battery is the most
expensive component of an EV, accounting for 30-40% of
the total vehicle cost [19]. Lithium-ion batteries, which are
currently the industry standard, involve costly raw
materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel.
- Declining but Still High Prices: Despite a global decline
in battery prices, which fell from around $1,100 per kWh
in 2010 to about $137 per kWh in 2020, the cost remains
substantial.
ii. Import Dependence:
- Imported Components: Many components, especially
advanced batteries and power electronics, are still
imported, which adds to the overall cost due to import
duties and taxes [20].
- Foreign Exchange Rates: Fluctuations in currency
exchange rates can affect the cost of these imported
components, adding uncertainty to pricing.
iii. Manufacturing Scale:
- Economies of Scale: The EV industry in India is still
nascent, and production volumes are relatively low. Higher
production volumes are essential to achieving economies
of scale, which can reduce the per-unit cost of
manufacturing.
- Local Manufacturing: Limited local manufacturing
capabilities for key components mean higher costs.
However, efforts are being made to develop local supply
chains.
B. Infrastructure Deficiencies
Despite progress, the charging infrastructure in India is
still inadequate. Rural areas and smaller towns have limited
access to charging stations, hindering the adoption of EVs
beyond metropolitan regions [21]-[22]. The development of
a robust, nationwide charging network is imperative for
comprehensive EV adoption.
C. Technological and Supply Chain Issues
The reliance on imported components, particularly
batteries, poses a challenge to the sustainability of the EV
ecosystem in India. Developing a local supply chain and
investing in indigenous technology are critical to
overcoming this dependency [23]-[24].
D. Regulatory and Policy Hurdles
While policies are supportive, inconsistencies and
delays in implementation at the state and national levels can
create uncertainties for manufacturers and consumers [25].
Streamlining regulatory processes and ensuring cohesive
policy execution are necessary to foster a conducive
environment for EV growth [26]. Regulatory and policy
hurdles refer to challenges and obstacles related to the
creation, implementation, and enforcement of regulations
and policies that impact the growth and development of a
sector. In the context of the electric vehicle industry, these
hurdles can significantly affect both manufacturers and
consumers, potentially slowing down the adoption and
expansion of EVs. Consumers may also face barriers, such
as limited incentives or lack of supportive infrastructure,
which can deter them from switching to electric vehicles.
Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts
from policymakers, industry stakeholders, and advocacy
groups to create a more conducive environment for the EV
market. Table 2 summarizing these hurdles along with
references for further reading:
 7th Int. Conf. on Advanced Technology and Engineering Trends (ICATET-2024), 24-25 June 2024, ACEIT Jaipur

Table 2: Summarizing some hurdles along with their references

Hurdle Description References
Differences in regulations and incentives across states create
Inconsistent Policies [25]
confusion and operational challenges for manufacturers.
Delays in Slow roll-out of EV policies at both state and national levels leads
[25]
Implementation to uncertainty and hesitation among investors.

Lack of Cohesive Policy
Execution
Regulatory Uncertainty
Bureaucratic Delays
Complex Approval
Processes
Inadequate Charging
Infrastructure
Fragmented execution of policies results in uneven growth and
[26]
can disadvantage certain regions or stakeholders.
Frequent changes or unclear regulations can deter investment and
[26], [27]
slow down industry progress.
Lengthy approval processes for setting up EV infrastructure and
[28]
manufacturing facilities hinder timely project execution.
Complicated and multi-layered approval processes can delay the
[26], [29]
launch and expansion of new EV models and infrastructure.
Policies supporting charging infrastructure development are often
[30]
inconsistent, affecting EV adoption rates.

6. CONCLUSION [8] S. Roy and P. Basu, "Advances in electric vehicle power

India's journey towards EV is marked by significant
advancements and substantial challenges. While
technological developments and supportive policies have
laid a strong foundation, issues such as high costs, inadequate
infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles need to be addressed.
Continued investment, innovation, and collaboration among
stakeholders are essential to overcome these challenges and
realize the full potential of EVs in India. The transition to
electric mobility is not just a technological shift but a critical
step towards sustainable development and environmental
stewardship.
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