Mumbai’s Electric Vehicle Revolution: A Closer Look at the Trend
The electric vehicle (EV) market in India has been witnessing a significant surge in recent years, driven by a combination of government incentives, increasing consumer awareness, and advancements in EV technology. This surge is not just a passing trend but rather a promising indication of a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions in the country.
Sales data for the past three years reflects this upward trajectory in the EV market. According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), the market share of electric passenger vehicles doubled to 2.6% in March 2023, up from 1.3% in March 2022. This growth is further evidenced by the fact that overall sales of electric passenger vehicles surged to 90,996 units in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a substantial 91% increase compared to the previous fiscal year. In just the first five months of fiscal year 2025, EV retail sales have already surpassed 733,000 units, accounting for 43% of the total sales in the previous fiscal year.
The increase in EV sales not only reflects a growing interest in electric vehicles but also highlights the changing attitudes towards sustainable transportation options in India. Consumers are increasingly looking for cleaner and more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, and the surge in EV sales is a clear indicator of this shift.
Analyzing Consumer Interest in Electric Vehicles
To gain insights into the growing consumer interest in electric vehicles, Justdial, India’s leading local search engine, conducted an analysis of search data related to EVs. The data revealed a significant uptick in searches for electric vehicles from January 2022 to August 2024, aligning with the surge in EV sales during the same period.
From January to August 2022 to the same period in 2023, Justdial saw a nationwide increase of 220% in searches related to electric vehicles. The growth was even more pronounced in metro cities, with a 233% increase, while non-metro areas recorded a growth of 187%. Metro cities like Hyderabad saw searches grow by 8 times their previous levels, while cities like Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Jaipur saw a 3, 2, and 2 times increase in searches, respectively. Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata also experienced substantial increases of 179%, 166%, and 117%, respectively, while non-metro cities like Coimbatore saw a rise of 178%.
However, from January 2023 to August 2024, the trend slightly shifted, with non-metro cities experiencing a more significant increase of 141% compared to metro cities’ 71% growth. Cities like Indore, Patna, and Surat saw substantial rises of 379%, 230%, and 143%, respectively. Metro cities like Chennai and Kolkata also witnessed significant growth, with increases of 368% and 114%, respectively. The data underscores the fact that interest in electric vehicles is not limited to metro regions but is also growing rapidly in non-metro areas.
The Role of Mumbai in the EV Surge
Mumbai, one of India’s largest and most populous cities, has played a crucial role in driving the surge in electric vehicle searches and sales. The city’s residents are increasingly looking towards electric vehicles as a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, reflecting a broader trend across the country.
From January to August 2022 to the same period in 2023, Mumbai saw a substantial increase of 179% in searches related to electric vehicles. This surge in interest can be attributed to various factors, including the city’s growing awareness of environmental issues, government incentives for EV adoption, and advancements in EV technology that make electric vehicles more appealing and accessible to consumers.
The increase in electric vehicle searches in Mumbai is a clear indicator of the city’s shifting attitudes towards sustainable transportation options. As more residents become aware of the benefits of electric vehicles, the demand for EVs is expected to continue growing in Mumbai and across India.
Key Trends in Electric Vehicle Searches
Among the various categories of electric vehicles, electric bikes on rent experienced the most dramatic spike in searches, with Hyderabad leading the pack with an impressive 18 times increase in search volume. Cities like Ahmedabad and Bangalore also saw significant increases, with searches rising to 5 and 4 times their previous levels, respectively. This trend highlights the growing popularity of electric bikes as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation in urban areas.
Electric vehicle dealers also experienced a substantial jump in searches, with a nationwide increase of 203%. This indicates a growing interest in purchasing electric vehicles among consumers, further driving the adoption of EVs in India. On the other hand, electric car dealers saw a more moderate 55% rise in searches, reflecting the broader trend towards electric bikes and other two-wheeler EVs.
From January to August 2023 to the same period in 2024, electric vehicle dealers recorded a 151% growth nationwide, with Delhi leading the charge at 146%. Searches for electric bike rentals also saw a significant increase of 97%, with cities like Kolkata, Pune, and Mumbai experiencing rises of 167%, 123%, and 91%, respectively. This data indicates a sustained interest in electric vehicles among consumers, with both metro and non-metro regions showing heightened curiosity and awareness about EVs.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Electric Vehicles in India
The surge in electric vehicle searches and sales across India, particularly in cities like Mumbai, underscores a growing demand for cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. As consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicles continue to rise, it is evident that the market for EVs and related services will only continue to expand in the coming years.
With government incentives, advancements in EV technology, and increasing consumer awareness driving the adoption of electric vehicles, the future of transportation in India looks increasingly electric. As more cities and regions embrace the benefits of EVs, the shift towards cleaner and more sustainable mobility solutions will only accelerate, paving the way for a greener and more environmentally friendly transportation landscape in the country.
In conclusion, the surge in electric vehicle searches and sales in Mumbai and across India is a promising trend that signals a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation options. As more consumers become aware of the benefits of electric vehicles and the government continues to incentivize EV adoption, the future of transportation in India looks increasingly electric. By embracing electric vehicles as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, cities like Mumbai are leading the way towards a greener and more sustainable future for all.
