Electric vehicle expansion, while progressing steadily, is now at a point where the pace of growth will depend on how efficiently the charging infrastructure is fixed. According to industry executives, the way forward is not just adding more charging points, but concentrating them in high-demand zones to ensure consistent usage, better economics, and faster consumer confidence.
The central challenge, according to them, is that utilisation rates at many charging stations remain low, which slows returns on investment and discourages further capacity creation. The industry’s view is that charging networks must first be built where they will be used most, like dense urban centres, commercial hubs, and high-traffic corridors, before pushing expansion into highways and smaller towns.
Speaking at an industry conference, Rahul Bharti, senior executive director (corporate affairs) at Maruti Suzuki India, said the focus should shift to strategic placement of stations, supported by state governments through land provision in city zones where EV usage already exists. “Capacity utilisation must improve in the initial phase for investors to sustain operations,” he said.
According to industry executives, charging infrastructure designed as scattered, standalone units creates uncertainty for users. Instead, there should be cluster-based networks that offer multiple fast-charging points in one location, reducing waiting time and enhancing reliability. According to Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles MD and CEO Shailesh Chandra, these clusters should ideally house “20–30 fast-charging guns” to create visible comfort for new buyers.
According to BMW Group India President & CEO Hardeep Brar, India has one public charger for every 40 vehicles, compared to about one for 20 in developed markets.
Nitin Sheth, CEO of New Mobility at Reliance Industries, said the policy approach should shift “from purchase incentives to structural enablers like infrastructure build-out and common charging protocols”.
Executives also noted that EV adoption is already moving beyond metros. As usage gradually spreads to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, they said a phased rollout that starts with high-utilisation urban clusters and expands outward could provide the stable foundation needed for mass-market transition.