AgenciesMumbai: Electric two-wheeler sales failed to cross even the 10,000-units mark during the April-September period despite the government’s Rs 10,000 crore electric vehicle promotion scheme.
Sales declined by a quarter compared to last year because of the disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic even after double-digit growth during August and September.
About 7,552 high-speed electric two-wheelers were sold between April and September, according to data from Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV). This does not include the sale of low-speed two-wheelers that do not require registration.
In contrast, about 6 million two-wheelers with combustion engines are estimated to be sold during the same period.
The central government subsidises the cost of electric vehicles for buyers under the second phase of its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II), with benefits directly linked to the battery size on these vehicles. The subsidies are targeted towards vehicles used for public transport and for personal two-wheelers and usually work out to Rs 10,000-20,000 for a two-wheeler.
“One of the main reasons of the stagnant sales is attributed to customers not able to buy products due to Covid-19, which led to lockdown in the country. However, the industry has been quickly able to enter the positive curve soon after the government announced the unlock process,” said Sohinder Gill, director general of SMEV.
At the end of September, Hero Electric accounted for 35% market share with sales of 2,629 units. Okinawa had 24% share after selling 1,836 units. Ather Energy sold 941 units during this period, for a market share of 12%.
“The outlook for this financial year remains positive as we hope that the recent move by the central government allowing vehicle to be sold without battery and the announcement of EV policy by Delhi government would further help the industry to move forward. Also, extending the PMP (phased manufacturing program) guidelines would allow industry to ramp-up production and strengthen local component market,” Gill said.
Sales declined by a quarter compared to last year because of the disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic even after double-digit growth during August and September.
About 7,552 high-speed electric two-wheelers were sold between April and September, according to data from Society of Manufacturers of Electric Vehicles (SMEV). This does not include the sale of low-speed two-wheelers that do not require registration.
In contrast, about 6 million two-wheelers with combustion engines are estimated to be sold during the same period.
The central government subsidises the cost of electric vehicles for buyers under the second phase of its Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II), with benefits directly linked to the battery size on these vehicles. The subsidies are targeted towards vehicles used for public transport and for personal two-wheelers and usually work out to Rs 10,000-20,000 for a two-wheeler.
“One of the main reasons of the stagnant sales is attributed to customers not able to buy products due to Covid-19, which led to lockdown in the country. However, the industry has been quickly able to enter the positive curve soon after the government announced the unlock process,” said Sohinder Gill, director general of SMEV.
At the end of September, Hero Electric accounted for 35% market share with sales of 2,629 units. Okinawa had 24% share after selling 1,836 units. Ather Energy sold 941 units during this period, for a market share of 12%.
“The outlook for this financial year remains positive as we hope that the recent move by the central government allowing vehicle to be sold without battery and the announcement of EV policy by Delhi government would further help the industry to move forward. Also, extending the PMP (phased manufacturing program) guidelines would allow industry to ramp-up production and strengthen local component market,” Gill said.
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1 Comment on this Story
 | Sundar K34 minutes ago great news. there is no alternative for fuel. lock & walk if the charge is down. No infrastructure created for EVs. Petrol pumps are abundant on highways but charging stations cant be spotted on highways. Infrastructure needed to push EVs. |