Maruti Suzuki India has stressed that faster development of public charging infrastructure is crucial for accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption in the country, as “driving range anxiety” continues to deter buyers from choosing an EV as their primary car, PTI reports.
Speaking to reporters, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer (Marketing & Sales) at Maruti Suzuki, noted that while EV retail sales have nearly doubled in the past year, their share in overall passenger vehicle sales remains low at 4.5 per cent. “A person who just wants to have one car doesn’t want an EV to be the first car. He has got many inhibitions,” Banerjee said.
FADA data shows electric passenger vehicle registrations surged 93 per cent year-on-year in July to 15,528 units from 8,037 units. However, Banerjee said customers remain concerned about the availability of public charging facilities, especially on highways, despite automakers offering models with a 500 km driving range. Maruti Suzuki is working to set up charging stations in 100 cities but believes more investment is needed for intercity travel infrastructure.
The company is set to launch its first EV, the e-Vitara, this fiscal. Banerjee emphasised that all vehicular technologies — including hybrids — should be available in the market, allowing customers to choose based on their needs.
Commenting on the decline in entry-level car sales, Banerjee attributed it to rising costs due to new regulations, affecting affordability. Maruti plans to introduce a financing option to own an Alto for ₹2,999 per month in an effort to revive demand.
Marking a decade of its Nexa retail channel, Maruti Suzuki also unveiled the Grand Vitara PHANTOM BLAQ Edition, featuring a matte black wrap.
