EV-Only Research Jumps 60% YoY in India, Tier-II Cities Lead Shift

India's electric vehicle market is seeing a sharp shift. New data from CarDekho and Indiatimes shows a 60% year-on-year jump in EV-only research across the country. The numbers, released this week, point to a clear trend: buyers are moving beyond just browsing, they are actively looking for electric options.

Tier-II cities take the lead

The growth isn't coming from the usual places. Tier-II cities are leading the charge. Places like Lucknow, Jaipur, and Indore now account for a bigger share of EV searches than metros such as Mumbai or Delhi. These cities have lower vehicle density and shorter daily commutes, both factors that make EVs a practical choice.

For years, EV adoption in India was a top-tier city story. High-income early adopters in Delhi-NCR or Bengaluru drove the numbers. That is changing. The CarDekho data shows that smaller cities now see higher engagement with EV content, from range calculators to charging station maps.

What people are searching for

The research goes beyond just looking at cars. Users are checking battery life, charging costs, and government subsidies. The jump in EV-only searches suggests a more informed buyer. They are not just curious, they are planning a purchase.

Two-wheelers dominate the EV market in India. But the data shows a growing interest in electric cars and three-wheelers. The shift mirrors a broader push by automakers to launch more models in the affordable and mid-range segments.

Policy and infrastructure

The Indian government's FAME II scheme, which offers subsidies for EVs, has helped lower upfront costs. States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have added their own incentives. Charging infrastructure remains a weak spot, but it is improving. Public charging stations have grown by over 50% in the last 12 months, according to industry estimates.

Still, challenges remain. Range anxiety and a lack of service networks in smaller towns hold many buyers back. The CarDekho report notes that users in Tier-II cities spend more time reading about battery warranties and service center locations than their metro counterparts.

What this means for the market

India's EV market is still small, EVs made up roughly 5% of total vehicle sales in 2023. But the research numbers suggest demand is building. Automakers are taking note. Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra have all announced new EV models for the next two years. Hyundai and Kia are expanding their electric lineups in India.

The 60% jump in EV-only research is not just a number. It reflects a real change in how Indians think about buying a car. The shift from browsing to active research is a strong signal. If Tier-II cities continue to drive this trend, the next wave of EV adoption in India may look very different from the first.