Plugging Into the Future – Consumer Journeys to EV Adoption
About the event:
The Sustainable Mobility Network (SMN) is a coalition of organisations working to bring sustainability at the centre of transport and mobility planning in India.
The Global EV Alliance (GEVA) is a global alliance of EV drivers’ associations with the shared ambition to be the voice of the electric vehicle movement all around the globe. We want to collect best practices, inspiration and information from EV drivers organizations and their members in order to help, inform and inspire each other to accelerate electric mobility in their own regions/countries and worldwide. We are a grass roots non-profit organization.
Raahgiri Foundation (www.raahgirifoundation.org) is a non-profit trust working to improve the quality of life in India’s cities and towns.
Purpose is a global team of campaigners, creatives, strategists, digital and impact specialists - all driven by purpose to move people to remake the world. We shift narratives, drive change, and influence decision makers.
About the organiser:
On January 31st, the Sustainability Mobility Network , Global EV Alliance (GEVA), Raahgiri and Purpose hosted a webinar to bring attention to consumer readiness, adoption behaviors, and the challenges shaping the future of EVs.
Key Insights:
Consumer Behavior: EV adoption is more than a trend—it's a shift. 97% of global EV drivers are highly satisfied, and only 1% would return to ICE vehicles. Cost, charging infrastructure, and policy support are critical in driving this transformation.
🗣 Abhishek Sinha: “EVs are inherently smart. Connected car technologies put OEMs directly in touch with consumers, delivering a truly luxurious experience.”
Infrastructure & Charging: Mass EV adoption depends on adequate charging infrastructure. Public charging, particularly along transportation corridors, is key. Yet, there are concerns about charging station reliability and accessibility.
🗣 Markus: “If decision-makers want full electrification, they must recognize charging as critical infrastructure—not just a service.”
🗣 Asheesh Arora: “New apps mapping charger locations, real-time status, and route planning make EV usage even more seamless.”
India’s EV Advantage: India stands in a unique position as a manufacturing hub for electric 2-wheelers. With incentives like FAME I & II and PM E-Drive, the country is accelerating its transition, improving testing and safety standards and bringing in innovative battery chemistry.
🗣 Subrata Mitra (Ather Energy): “India holds 33% of the global 2-wheeler market, both in manufacturing and consumers. This leadership comes with the responsibility to innovate.”
🗣 Vivek Gavimath: “The ₹780 Cr allocation for testing under PM E-Drive will enhance safety, certification, and performance standards.”
Policy Alignment: Policies must balance demand-side incentives with supply-side support to make EVs affordable and scalable. From PLI schemes to demand-based subsidies, governments must ensure consistency to drive corporations and industries to build EV supply chains to sustain growth.
🗣 Trupti Deshpande: “Upcoming CAFE norms (2027) will restrict polluting vehicles while allowing OEMs time to develop cleaner models.”
Global Perspectives: Emerging markets, from Africa to Latin America, face unique hurdles in EV adoption, from lack of domestic production to geographical constraints. However, these regions also have opportunities to leapfrog and build localized supply chains.
Takeaway: Transitioning to EVs isn't just about technology—it’s about understanding local nuances, aligning policy, and fostering collaboration across stakeholders. The path is diverse, the ecosystem is expanding, but the goal is the same: a cleaner, greener future for all.
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