According to a survey by Tata Motors, 75% of customers use electric vehicles as their primary vehicle.
Despite a decline in electric vehicle (EV) demand during the first quarter of FY25, Tata Motors, the market leader, has observed a shift among consumers away from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. A Tata Motors survey revealed that 36% of customers have abandoned their ICE vehicles, while 75% now use electric vehicles as their primary vehicle.
Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, shared insights from a survey of 10,000 customers, highlighting a significant transition to EVs as primary family cars. He noted the lower maintenance costs of EVs, with batteries needing replacement only every eight years. With the introduction of the Curvv electric model, Tata Motors aims to eliminate range anxiety among consumers. The Curvv, part of the acti.ev electric architecture, promises a maximum range of 585 km on a 55kWh battery pack and starts at ₹17.49 lakh.
Chandra emphasized the need for versatile vehicles suitable for intercity travel, particularly as charging infrastructure remains underdeveloped. The Curvv is designed to address these challenges by offering an extended range and striving for price parity with automatic ICE vehicles.
Tata Motors has noted a drop in EV demand this quarter, attributed to the reduction in FAME subsidy, with EV penetration at 12%, accounting for 16,600 units sold.
Dealers have observed an increase in inquiries about electric vehicles, though many consumers still prefer ICE vehicles. However, the range of available EVs is expanding. Manish Raj Singhania, president of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), mentioned that with more electric models entering the market and other manufacturers joining the EV space, they expect EV penetration to rise. FADA is committed to promoting eco-friendly practices within the automotive retail industry.
