The adoption of electric vehicles seems to be off to a slow start in Andhra Pradesh. Of the nearly 1.6 crore registered vehicles roaming on the roads, the number of EVs has been limited to some 54,000 in the state. Even though the demand for these emission-free vehicles is catching on in recent years, the numbers speak altogether a different story.
For instance, against the 78,000 four-wheeler registrations in 2022 in Andhra Pradesh, only 681 electric vehicles found takers in the state. Similarly, the number of two-wheeler EVs sold in 2022 stood at 26,824 against over 6 lakh petrol two-wheeler registrations, as per the Union government data.
While the proportion of four-wheelers EVs to total vehicles stood at 0.9%, the penetration of two-wheeler EVs was somewhat better at 4.4% in 2022 in Andhra Pradesh.
According to industry insiders and experts, the sales numbers of EVs may witness a surge in the coming years. However, the limited charging infrastructure (most cities/towns still do not have charging stations), recent EV battery-related explosions in various parts of the state, the high upfront cost compared to conventional vehicles, and doubts over the range (distance one can travel with a single charge) seem to be discouraging the prospective buyers to make the switch.
Speaking to ToI, J Gopinath, who has been involved in EV sales for the last few years, said the EV sales have been increasing over the years. “However, the number of people opting for EVs is far low compared to fossil-fuelled vehicles. We get several inquiries every day, but only a few transition into sales. The concerns and myths surrounding the EVs may be still hampering the switch from regular vehicles to EVs. Amid the ever-increasing fuel prices, these emission-free vehicles will prove to be highly economical in the long run due to their low operating costs,” said Gopinath.
When ToI spoke to several people, they said they will wait a few more years to buy EVs.
“Based on my enquiries, the charging infrastructure and after-servicing still seem to be in nascent stage even in cities like Vizag. I can travel any distance on a full tank with my petrol car. Same is not possible with EVs. People like me only consider buying an EV once everything falls in place,” said B Ravi Teja, who recently purchased a petrol car.
