The EV 4-wheeler market has sustained itself over the past six years, but it has yet to reach the level that major manufacturers aspire to. In this race, Tata Motors stands out as a key player in terms of both sales and charging infrastructure volume. However, the market still reflects saturated figures, and the expected growth surge has not materialized. Even in 2025, the market holds a modest 2.4% share—far below expectations. So, what are the reasons behind this? Let’s analyze the market through a strategic lens to identify the key gaps.
At the recent Auto Expo held at Bharat Mandapam, Kia CEO and Director Mr. Hardeep S. Brar addressed the media and voiced a similar concern regarding the slow growth of the EV market. He directly pointed out that Indian customers are still lacking confidence, largely due to the current state of charging infrastructure and the time required to charge EVs.
Is he right in making this point? In my view—Yes. And I believe this sentiment is shared by many across the industry. Let’s take a closer look at the situation on the ground, along with my perspective.
According to reports, a total of 25,202 fast chargers have been installed across the country, capable of charging a vehicle from 0 to 80% within 60 minutes. However, only 12,146 of these chargers are currently operational, while 13,056 are non-functional. That’s a significant 52% of chargers out of service—a gap large enough to create anxiety for any potential EV customer.
Even among the chargers that are operational, there is yet another major hurdle: software glitches. These issues continue to frustrate many EV users, especially those relying on fast chargers, making the experience difficult for nearly every second buyer.
Fast Chargers: Progress & Growing Expectations
Yes, it’s true that 52% of chargers are currently inactive. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t be activated. The charging infrastructure is already in place, and many of the issues are related to legal or operational controls—which are now being actively addressed. As EV acceptance grows in the market, progress is accelerating. Today, most public spaces are already equipped with EV chargers.
Tata Power, a major player in this space, has committed to installing 4 lakh fast chargers across India within a two-year period, targeting completion by 2027. Other charger manufacturers are also increasing their installation capacity to meet demand. These chargers are app-based, allowing users to check availability and occupancy through platforms like Tata Power EZ, Statiq, PlugShare, and others. Many of these apps also offer route planning features and call center support, making the charging process more convenient and user-friendly—particularly for women drivers.
In parallel, government-run PSUs such as NTPC, CEL, and THDC are actively contributing to the EV charging ecosystem, in collaboration with companies working in the energy and electricity sectors. Major private players like the Adani Group and Reliance Group have also been awarded highway infrastructure projects to install fast chargers across national routes.
Looking ahead, the entry of India’s leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki into the EV passenger 4-wheeler segment is expected to create a significant boom in the market. Maruti has already committed to installing fast chargers every 5 kilometers, a move that will further strengthen India’s EV charging ecosystem.
As market expectations and acceptance continue to grow, all major manufacturers now recognize that electric is the powertrain of the near future. With strong infrastructure efforts underway, India is well-positioned to transform the mobility landscape for passenger vehicles.
Software Challenges
Software-related issues are one of the most frequently raised concerns across EV OEMs. A common complaint is that the charging software often cannot function without an internet connection. Additionally, users have reported being charged multiple times during a single charging session, leading to frustration. In some cases, the charger fails to connect even after a successful request is processed through the app. Another concern is the inconvenience of needing multiple apps for different networks, with users suggesting that a unified app with UPI-based payment integration would greatly simplify the process.
Currently, the software is tied to the specific charging company operating the station being used. While internet access is typically required at all stations, many providers now offer RFID cards as an alternative method to initiate charging without relying on the app. Furthermore, with increasing internet coverage across the country, some charging companies are exploring the addition of on-site Wi-Fi to make the charging process even more user-friendly.
Regarding overcharging, most payment-related issues are now addressed with refundable policies. If a customer can prove they were overcharged, they can file a claim with the charging provider and receive a refund directly into their wallet, regardless of the app used. In most cases, refunds are processed quickly, even when software glitches occur.
Time-Taking Process to Charge the EV Vehicle
Yes, waiting for at least 60 minutes to charge an EV may seem like a challenge for some customers. But is this a universal concern for every user?
My answer is a resounding no. In reality, this challenge doesn’t apply to all EV owners. Currently, every EV comes with a minimum range of 150 km, and most EV users who take long trips have already planned their route. Many can comfortably drive up to 300 km in a day with proper planning.
For example, if a user drives 100 km and their vehicle offers a range of 150 km, they may stop for a break. During this 30-minute stop, they can recharge their vehicle and regain 70 km of range, while also getting a meal or rest. By the time they resume their journey, they will still have 50 km of range left in their vehicle. When the next stop is made, they will likely have 30 km of range remaining, which gives them enough flexibility to reach a charging station.
At that station, they could recharge using a 3.3 kW AC charger, which is typically available. It’s rare that a user will let their battery run down to 0%, necessitating a 60-minute charge from 0 to 80%. In most cases, if a user understands their vehicle’s range, they’ll recognize that charging to just 50% is often
enough to reach their destination. This means they can top off their vehicle in 30 minutes rather than waiting for a full 60-minute charge.
Looking ahead, we also see improvements in vehicle battery capacities. As automakers compete to meet customer demands, it’s clear that the trend is toward longer ranges—some EVs are now being designed to offer up to 500 km on a single charge. In tandem, the capacity of fast chargers is increasing. For example, if a vehicle is equipped with a 40 kWh battery and is paired with a 60 kW fast charger, the charging time will be significantly reduced compared to a 30 kW charger.
As the market matures, charging solutions are improving, and this time-related concern is gradually becoming less of an issue.
Will Fuel Stations Be Compelled to Install EV Fast Chargers?
Currently, there is no compulsion for fuel stations to install EV fast chargers. However, with the growing acceptance of electric vehicles, it is becoming increasingly likely that fuel stations will begin to incorporate EV fast chargers into their infrastructure.
As part of the broader green energy movement, major players in the Indian fuel sector, such as Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL, are actively expanding their EV charging infrastructure. Indian Oil, for instance, plans to install 10,000 chargers at its fuel stations. HPCL has already partnered with Tata Passenger Electric Mobility to install 5,000 chargers at its locations, while BPCL is committed to installing 7,000 chargers across its network of fuel stations.
As the market for EVs continues to grow, fuel stations will likely respond in kind, adapting to the evolving demands of the Indian EV automobile market.
High-Rise RWA Concerns on Installing EV Chargers: Are They Ready?
This was a significant concern between 2019 and 2022. During that period, there was only slight acceptance from RWAs, but after 2022, residential communities began to apply pressure on their Society Authorities (AOs) to support EV charger installations.
Earlier, there was minimal awareness or demand from users, and RWAs treated these requests similarly to any other, without much consideration. Many concerns were raised, including fire safety, electricity supply issues, potential damage to the exterior of the building, open wires, and parking space conflicts. Property owners also worried about the possibility of losses to their vehicles if charging infrastructure were added.
However, over time, through multiple meetings with RWAs, we provided solutions such as installing separate electricity meters, community chargers, and authorizations allowing residents to install their own chargers with meters linked to their individual building floors. Community chargers have provided a viable solution, and things have become easier, though challenges remain.
The positive news is that many RWAs, which were once resistant, are now starting to embrace the need for EV infrastructure as they understand the growing demand in the market. While this challenge may
never be fully resolved, it is expected that about 65% of the issues will be alleviated in the near future, thanks to solutions like community chargers and separate electric meters.
From a manufacturer’s perspective, charger infrastructure companies should consider launching awareness programs to educate residents and RWAs about EVs and the proper use of chargers. Additionally, the Bombay High Court has issued a ruling, allowing residents to install EV chargers, making it illegal for RWAs to deny these installations. This legal stance, backed by government decisions, will likely encourage stronger enforcement from state governments, sending a clear message to high-rise residential AOs.
Will Mobility EV Charging Vans Help?
Yes, mobility EV charging vans can be a significant help to the EV market, especially for customers who don’t have access to a charging point at home. However, at present, manufacturers have yet to incorporate this option into their RSA (Roadside Assistance) services.
One notable company, Hope Charge, based in Gurgaon, is currently offering this service exclusively in the Delhi-NCR region. This option allows customers to purchase a yearly package for on-demand charging, which could cost less than the annual fuel cost of a petrol vehicle.
However, for this service to truly make an impact, mobility EV charging vans need to be visible and operational across India, 24/7. All manufacturers should integrate this service into their RSA offerings, instead of towing vehicles that require charging. This would not only provide a much-needed convenience but would also boost customer confidence in adopting EVs.
Additionally, if insurance companies collaborate with this service, it could offer even greater peace of mind to customers, making EV ownership even more attractive.
Conclusion
Every new technology comes with its set of pros and cons, and the EV market is no different. However, as we’ve seen from 2019 to 2022, there has been remarkable progress and constant evolution in the EV landscape. Daily, we witness new developments, whether in terms of technology, infrastructure, or consumer awareness. While challenges remain, the path to overcoming them is clear.
The key solution lies in embracing electric vehicles. EVs offer a fun and engaging driving experience, substantial savings for consumers, and a positive environmental impact. More importantly, this powertrain is the transformation the Indian automobile industry urgently needs. As consumer adoption grows, challenges like charging infrastructure and technical issues will naturally be addressed.
The Indian market has the potential to be a global leader in electric mobility, and with continued collaboration between manufacturers, government, and consumers, we can expect to see a robust EV ecosystem flourish. The journey may not be without hurdles, but the future is undeniably electric.
Warm regards, Amit Routhan
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