EV boom gathers pace in Vizag as fuel costs bite
Rising fuel prices, along with occasional supply concerns, are accelerating the shift towards electric vehicles in the district, with both registrations and consumer demand rising sharply across categories.
With petrol and diesel prices continuing to rise and further hikes expected, a growing number of residents are turning to electric mobility. The steady expansion of charging infrastructure across the Visakhapatnam district, coupled with exchange offers and attractive financing schemes from dealers, has further strengthened the shift.
Government efforts to promote electric vehicles as a measure to curb urban pollution have been underway since 2017. As part of these initiatives, EVs have been allotted to several government officials, including the District Collector, while power distribution companies have also introduced electric cars into their official fleets. EV rental services are also available within the city.
According to data from the Visakhapatnam Regional Transport Office (RTO), EV adoption remained relatively slow until 2024. By December 2024, the district had 720 electric cars and 5,704 electric two-wheelers.
However, the segment has seen robust growth since January 2025, driven by rising awareness, higher production levels, and expanded marketing by manufacturers. Between January 2025 and May 20, 2026, the district recorded 1,545 electric car registrations and 8,615 electric two-wheeler registrations.
In total, 10,160 electric vehicles were registered during these 17 months, including 3,551 vehicles in the last four months alone, RTO officials said. The district now has 26,257 electric vehicles on the road, including a small number of electric buses.
Electric scooters have emerged as the clear frontrunners in the segment, with users reporting significant savings in running costs. Many commuters who earlier spent around ₹3,000 a month on petrol say their monthly expenses have dropped to under ₹1,000 after switching to electric vehicles.
Dealers said demand has surged to the point where immediate deliveries are no longer possible. Waiting periods of two to three weeks are now common, with bookings becoming the norm.
In the electric car segment, manufacturers have signalled price revisions in view of rising demand. Dealers said customers completing bookings before the month-end may still get vehicles at current prices, while purchases from June could see an increase of at least ₹30,000.
One manufacturer is also extending additional incentives, including a free home charging installation kit worth ₹50,000 and complimentary installation services. It is also offering free charging benefits for up to 1,000 units, valued at around ₹20,000, according to showroom representatives.
However, despite promotional claims of free charging for scooters by some companies, users have reported inconsistencies, with charging fees still being levied at certain stations, sparking debate on social media.