Maruti Suzuki India has said that the lack of a robust public charging network remains the biggest barrier to electric vehicles (EVs) becoming the first choice for buyers in the country.

Speaking at a media roundtable, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales), noted that while range anxiety has eased with newer EVs offering up to 500 km on a single charge, the real challenge lies in the availability and economic viability of public charging points.

Although EVs’ share in India has risen from 2.4 per cent to 4.5 per cent in recent years, Banerjee said they are still rarely a household’s primary car. He attributed slow infrastructure growth to poor business returns, with around 95 per cent of EV owners charging at home for Rs 7–Rs 10 per unit. Public charging costs Rs 20–Rs 21 per unit and is used mostly in emergencies, making it an unattractive investment for operators.

He described the situation as a “chicken-and-egg” problem: without dense charging coverage, buyers hesitate to use EVs as main vehicles, while infrastructure providers are reluctant to invest without greater adoption. Even so, Banerjee stressed the psychological reassurance that public chargers provide. “I may not charge outside, but knowing there is a charging point every 50–100 km gives me peace of mind,” he said.

Until public charging access and speeds improve, EVs will remain second or third vehicles in most households, he predicted. Electric passenger vehicle registrations rose to 15,528 units last month from 8,037 units a year earlier.

Maruti Suzuki is setting up charging points in 100 cities, though highway coverage remains limited. The company will launch its first EV, the e-VITARA, later this year. Banerjee also emphasised that all vehicle technologies — whether electric, hybrid, or ICE — should compete equally, with buyers free to choose based on their needs.

On the slowdown in entry-level car sales, he cited rising costs from new regulations, which have hurt affordability. Maruti plans to introduce a finance package enabling customers to own an Alto for Rs 2,999 per month. The recent repo rate cut has yet to trickle down to consumers.

Marking 10 years of its Nexa retail network, Maruti unveiled the Grand Vitara PHANTOM BLAQ edition, finished in matte black.