Electric vehicle sales have been surging by as much as 20% across India over the last twelve months. This trend has been mirrored across Europe and the United States as electric vehicles (EVs) slowly but surely see increased adoption rates. This is helped, of course, by manufacturer efforts to change the public perception of electric vehicles to attractive, high-tech supercars rather than simply an eco-friendly alternative.
Private ownership is changing
Despite car sales across the world’s most important markets being much lower in 2019 than 2018, the share of sales held by electric vehicles was at a record high. This indicates improved adoption rates in large developed nations, something which many governments seem eager to support. This is done through tax incentives and investment in publicly accessible infrastructure supporting EVs like public charging ports. The data is clear: electric vehicles are becoming a more serious consideration for many looking to buy new cars. Reviews and buyers’ guides show that modern cars often come packed with high-tech features, but most EVs are on another level, serving as tech demonstrations for the world’s largest manufacturers.
In recent years, China’s manufacturing capabilities have, in many ways, caught up to the quality of their western counterparts. Surprisingly, this is as true in the case of EVs as it is with mobile phones and tablets. Surprisingly, many Chinese manufacturers are able to provide the same features as top end brands like Tesla at a fraction of the cost. As a result, Asian markets may soon have access to very affordable, high quality EVs, which will no doubt help adoption rates significantly.
Public transport and the electric revolution
Public transport is an area where the government can create positive change directly. A number of Indian cities have already taken major leaps forward in this regard, and Pune became the first Indian city to adopt electric buses. The city hosts India’s first all-electric bus depot and boasts over 130 electric buses. Interestingly, the buses are privately owned and operated by an Indian company in partnership with the bus’ manufacturer, BYD. Arrangements like these may become increasingly common as governments look for affordable ways to implement eco-friendly transit solutions in their cities. These buses are not just good for the environment, however, as passengers report significantly improved levels of comfort. Without exhaust, the buses also provide much better air quality, which in conjunction with air conditioning, may prove to have significant long term health benefits for their regular passengers.
electric car charging station are revolutionizing the auto industry, and with adoption rates steadily rising year on year, they may become the new normal sooner than we thought. Indeed, as long as governments continue to incentivize their production and purchase, this trend is unlikely to slow down. With the emergence of electric public transport, more and more people will have the opportunity to experience EVs, which may in turn accelerate their private adoption.