EVs Win on Climate, but India's Buyers Need More Than Science

Electric vehicles are better for the climate than petrol or diesel cars, even when you count the emissions from making their batteries. That's the takeaway from a fresh study that adds to a growing pile of evidence. But for many Indian buyers, the science may not be enough to tip the scales.

The research, published this week, compared the lifetime emissions of EVs with internal combustion engine vehicles across different countries. It found that in India, an EV charged on the current grid still produces roughly 25% less carbon dioxide over its life than a comparable petrol car. As the grid gets cleaner, that gap will widen.

Yet the study's authors are quick to point out that emissions are only one part of the story. "The climate benefit is real, but it doesn't automatically translate into sales," said one of the researchers, speaking on condition of anonymity because the paper is under review. "People buy cars based on upfront price, running costs, and whether they can charge them."

Cost remains the biggest hurdle

In India, the cheapest EV still costs about 30% more than its petrol equivalent. For a typical buyer, that premium can take years to recover through lower fuel and maintenance costs. The study notes that without subsidies or cheaper battery prices, many households will simply stick with what they know.

Range anxiety is another factor. Most EVs sold in India offer between 200 and 400 kilometers on a single charge. That's fine for city commutes, but less reassuring for the occasional long trip. Public charging stations are sparse outside major metros, and many apartment dwellers have no way to install a home charger.

Policy push, but gaps remain

The Indian government has tried to nudge buyers with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme, which offers subsidies on select models. But the scheme has been criticized for favoring a handful of manufacturers and for not doing enough to build charging infrastructure.

Some states have gone further. Delhi offers a purchase incentive and waives road tax on EVs. Maharashtra and Gujarat have similar policies. Yet the study suggests that these measures, while helpful, may not be enough to overcome the structural barriers.

"The evidence is clear that EVs can help India meet its climate goals," said the researcher. "But if we want people to actually buy them, we need to make them cheaper, easier to charge, and less risky to own."

For now, the Indian auto market reflects that reality. EVs made up just over 6% of new car sales in the last fiscal year, up from 1% three years ago. The growth is real, but it's starting from a small base.

The study's authors argue that the next wave of policies should focus on battery leasing, which could lower the upfront cost, and on mandating charging points at new buildings and fuel stations. They also suggest that state governments could use their own fleets to create demand and build confidence.

None of this is easy. But the study offers a clear message: the climate case for EVs is stronger than ever. The challenge now is to make the economic and practical case just as strong.