Electric Vehicle Adoption and Consumer Behaviour in India: an Empirical Analysis in the Context of Sustainability

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20579962

Abstract

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable transportation, offering a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. As part of India’s broader push toward environmental responsibility and climate resilience, EV adoption plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions, improving urban air quality, and supporting the country’s sustainable development goals. This paper examines the patterns and determinants of EV adoption in India through an empirical analysis of secondary data, focusing on consumer behaviour, regional disparities, and policy frameworks. The study identifies significant variation in adoption rates across states, driven by socioeconomic factors, infrastructural readiness, and the effectiveness of local incentives. Key behavioural barriers including high upfront costs, range anxiety, and limited public awareness continue to inhibit widespread adoption. The analysis also highlights how EV adoption contributes to national sustainability objectives. Based on these findings, the paper offers seven policy recommendations to strengthen EV uptake, including targeted subsidies, infrastructure expansion, behavioural change campaigns, and inter-state coordination. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the behavioural and institutional dynamics of electric mobility and outlines actionable strategies for accelerating India’s transition to a greener transport future.

Keywords: Electric Vehicles (Evs), Consumer Behaviour, Sustainable Transportation, EV Policy in India, Behavioural Barriers, Regional Adoption Patterns, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)