Challenges in Charging Infrastructure and Consumer Choices Stall Momentum in Green Transport Shift
Pune, known for its proactive steps towards sustainable mobility, has seen a notable slowdown in the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) this year, with just a seven percent increase in registrations, compared to the significant spike observed in the previous fiscal year, as revealed by data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
In the fiscal year 2022-23, Pune witnessed an impressive 200-percent surge in EV registrations, signaling a promising shift towards greener transportation solutions. However, the momentum appears to have waned, with only a marginal increase recorded in the following fiscal year 2023-24.
The data from the Pune RTO indicates that while new EV registrations surged from nearly 8,668 in 2021-22 to 30,653 in FY 2022-23, the growth rate dipped to 7.12 percent thereafter. Over the course of one year from April 1, 2023, to March 31 of this year, a total of 32,836 electric vehicles were registered, reflecting a subdued uptick in EV adoption.
Despite the overall rise in vehicle numbers in Pune, with approximately 20,000 vehicles added from April 2023 to March of the current year, the increase in new EV registrations remains comparatively low, with around 2,000 EVs added during the same period.
Among the EV registrations, motorcycles accounted for the highest number with 29,284 registrations, followed by cars at 2,290, according to RTO data.
While festive offers and incentives may have initially spurred interest in EVs, Anant Bhosale, Assistant RTO of Pune, points out the lack of charging infrastructure as a significant hindrance to sustained EV adoption. “The absence of electric charging points in societies and residential buildings could be a key factor contributing to the sluggish growth in EV registrations,” Bhosale noted.
The stagnation in EV adoption underscores the urgent need for investments in charging infrastructure and consumer awareness campaigns to accelerate the transition towards sustainable transportation in Pune.
