EV Two-Wheeler Adoption Rises as Buyer Hesitation Declines

Electric two-wheelers are steadily gaining ground in India, with a new industry report showing that buyer resistance is weakening. Nearly 43 per cent of two-wheeler purchasers are now seriously weighing an EV, up from 30 per cent in 2024.

According to the report, released Monday by Boston Consulting Group, electric models are increasingly becoming a first choice for many riders. About 1.8 lakh Indians are buying an electric two-wheeler for the first time every month.

From April to August 2026, electric vehicles held 9.9 per cent of the overall two-wheeler market. In financial year 2024, the figure was 5.5 per cent. Electric scooters saw an even bigger jump, with their share rising from 16.8 per cent to 24.1 per cent during the same period.

From financial year 2022 to 2026, electric scooter sales recorded a compound annual growth rate of 54 per cent, which is more than three times that of petrol scooters.

The report also points to a decline in skepticism. Buyers who fully reject electric two-wheelers have fallen from 38 per cent in 2024 to 29 per cent. Enthusiasm among consumers has grown 1.5 times over two years, though the share of negative buyers remains close to 20 per cent.

Saurabh Chhajer, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, said the companies that succeed will be those that consider how Indian consumers actually use their vehicles. He said that service quality, battery dependability, insurance and resale options will all be crucial to earning long-term trust.

The report found that 59 per cent of short-distance commuters now find electric two-wheelers appealing in appearance, compared with 30 per cent in 2024. Buyers who value strong acceleration rose from 27 per cent to 48 per cent, while those who associate these vehicles with trusted brands climbed from 28 per cent to 46 per cent.

Owners appreciate low running and maintenance costs, a smooth ride, stylish design, easy maneuverability, storage space and digital features.

Still, questions remain about how well these vehicles perform on rough roads, whether they are practical for highway use beyond cities, and how long they will last.