The author is Co–Founder & COO, eBike Go
NEW DELHI: Electric two-wheelers are at the heart of India’s clean mobility ambitions, and government incentives have played a critical role in bringing them into the public spotlight. From subsidies under the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme to state-level benefits like reduced road tax, registration waivers, and interestfree loans, the policy push has been instrumental in creating a foundation for the EV market. But as the initial excitement begins to stabilize, an essential question surfaces—will government incentives alone be enough to make electric two-wheelers truly mainstream? The short answer is no, not in isolation. Incentives are important, but they are just one piece of a much larger puzzle. They can attract early adopters, lower the barrier to entry, and help price-sensitive consumers consider electric mobility. However, longterm and mass-scale adoption will depend on a blend of policy, infrastructure, consumer trust, and market innovation. Without these complementary elements evolving in tandem, the momentum created by subsidies could plateau or even reverse. One of the most immediate challenges is infrastructure. No matter how attractive the subsidies, if riders cannot conveniently charge their vehicles, the promise of EVs falls short. Urban India is only beginning to see the rollout of public charging stations, and rural areas remain largely untouched by this transition. Home charging is viable for some, but not all, especially in densely populated or rented accommodations. Until India builds a robust and accessible charging network, consumer confidence in EVs will continue to be limited. Moreover, incentives alone cannot address concerns around battery life, vehicle performance, and resale value. These are critical factors that influence buying decisions. Many first-time EV buyers worry about battery degradation, the cost of replacement, and whether the savings from fuel and maintenance will be enough to offset long-term ownership costs. There is also a psychological barrier linked to range anxiety—the fear that an EV won’t cover the necessary distance on a single charge. These challenges require not just financial subsidies but also advancements in technology, better warranty coverage, and transparent communication from manufacturers. Another dimension to consider is the unevenness of policy implementation. While some states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have proactive EV policies, others lag behind. The lack of a harmonized national strategy often confuses consumers and investors alike. Policies also need to be long-term and consistent to build trust. Frequent changes in subsidy amounts or eligibility criteria create uncertainty in the market, discouraging potential buyers and slowing down the supply chain’s ability to scale confidently. The role of the private sector cannot be understated. Government incentives can create initial demand, but it is up to manufacturers, startups, and service providers to innovate and deliver products that are reliable, aspirational, and aligned with the diverse needs of Indian consumers. Product variety, brand value, customer experience, and after-sales support will play a defining role in EV adoption. Companies need to go beyond subsidy math and focus on delivering a holistic value proposition. Additionally, financial institutions must be roped into the transition. Traditional financing mechanisms have been slow to accommodate EVs, viewing them as higher risk due to lesser-known resale dynamics and limited historical data. To truly go mainstream, electric twowheelers must be easy to finance, lease, or insure, making them accessible to the masses the way petrol two-wheelers currently are. Ultimately, while government incentives are a strong starting point, they are not a silver bullet. The future of electric twowheelers in India hinges on a systemic shift that integrates infrastructure, technology, financing, and user-centric design. It requires collaboration across public and private stakeholders, sustained awareness campaigns, and an inclusive approach that addresses the needs of urban, semi-urban, and rural users alike. Only then can EV two-wheelers shed their label as a subsidized novelty and become the everyday choice for millions across the country.