Maruti Says Charging Gap Slows EV Adoption in India

12 Aug 2025 CW Team

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.

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.

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Pune To Build Nine Km Link Road Between Highways

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to appoint an expert to plan the development of a nine km long, 60 metre wide road from Khadi Machine chowk to Wadki chowk as an extension to the Katraj-Kondhwa road to link the Mumbai-Satara and Pune-Solapur national highways. The scheme is intended to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the city and improve access between the two arterial routes. The project has been prioritised by the PMC and forms part of a larger set of schemes in which 19 roads have been identified for development at a combined cost of Rs 9.82 billion (bn) to address c..

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Barabanki Bahraich Six Lane Highway Approved in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved construction of a new six-lane highway linking Barabanki and Bahraich as part of National Highway 927, and the cabinet has cleared the project. The alignment will pass through Mustafabad and Kaiserganj and extend for about 101.5 km, creating a key corridor for local and long-distance movement. The National Highways Authority of India will oversee the work and has signalled the scheme is intended to strengthen regional connectivity and cross-border access to Nepal. The project carries an estimated total cost of Rs 69,690 million, equivalent to Rs 69.69..

Infrastructure Transport

06 May 2026

Toll At Kharegaon Likely As Highway Upgrade Nears Completion

A section of the highway at Kharegaon has undergone an upgrade and is approaching completion, and authorities have indicated plans for a toll to be introduced once works finish. The project has focused on strengthening the carriageway, improving drainage and upgrading intersections to enhance safety and capacity. Officials have said the toll will be used to recover construction costs and fund ongoing maintenance. The upgrade included resurfacing of the pavement, widening of certain stretches and installation of modern signage and lighting to reduce accident risk. Contractors completed most ma..