A recent survey conducted by Park+ has uncovered considerable dissatisfaction among Indian electric vehicle (EV) owners. Targeting car owners in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, the survey collected responses from 500 EV owners. The results reveal several issues, with 51% of respondents indicating a desire to revert to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Charging anxiety emerged as a more pressing concern than range anxiety, with 88% of EV owners reporting challenges in locating accessible, safe, and functional charging stations. Although India boasts over 20,000 EV charging stations, many owners find them hard to locate.
Maintenance costs also pose a significant hurdle, as 73% of respondents mentioned that their EVs were challenging to understand and repair. The complexity of EV technology often leaves local mechanics struggling with even minor repairs, preventing owners from seeking multiple repair estimates and creating uncertainty about expenses.
Another critical issue is the steep decline in the resale value of EVs. Approximately 33% of respondents reported a notable decrease in the perceived value of their vehicles when reviewing resale quotes. This problem is exacerbated by the absence of standardized testing methods to evaluate the quality of an EV's battery, which is a significant factor in the vehicle's overall value.
Overall, EV owners expressed higher dissatisfaction levels compared to those with ICE vehicles. The everyday challenges associated with EV ownership have prompted 51% of respondents to contemplate switching back to traditional vehicles, a sentiment driven in part by the industry's inexperience in managing second-hand EVs.
The survey also highlighted brand preferences among EV owners, with the TATA Nexon EV emerging as the most favored option, chosen by 61% of respondents. The TATA Punch EV followed with 19%. TATA vehicles received high marks for their design, durability, and safety. Conversely, BYD, while attracting attention, faced criticism regarding its pricing and the absence of test drive opportunities.
Amit Lakhotia, Founder & CEO of Park+, remarked on the findings: The Indian 4W EV story is still being written, and there is an urgent need for a robust and intelligent EV charging infrastructure. Charging anxiety has now surpassed range anxiety by a significant margin. As the country's largest EV charger installer, we remain committed to enhancing the EV ownership experience throughout the vehicle's lifecycle.