According to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), nearly 43 per cent of Indian consumers in the two-wheeler segment are contemplating an electric two-wheeler (E2W) for their next purchase. This figure marks an increase from 30 per cent in 2024. The report, titled “Electric in Charge: How India’s Electric Two-Wheelers Are Moving into the Mainstream,” underscores a notable shift in consumer attitudes towards electric mobility, attributed to enhanced perceptions of performance, design, and brand trust.

India continues to lead as the largest two-wheeler market globally, with sales reaching approximately 22.19 million units in the financial year 2026. BCG reports that overall sales in this sector have experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12 per cent between FY22 and FY26, with scooters identified as a significant driver of this growth.

The decline in consumer resistance to electric vehicles is also evident, with the percentage of consumers not considering an electric two-wheeler dropping from 38 per cent in 2024 to 29 per cent in 2026. Additionally, those who are contemplating an EV but are unlikely to purchase one in the near future have decreased from 32 per cent to 28 per cent.

Increased Penetration of Electric Two-Wheelers

BCG’s analysis indicates that the penetration of electric two-wheelers has nearly doubled, rising from 5.5 per cent in FY24 to 9.9 per cent in FY27, based on sales data up to August 2026. Electric scooters have seen even stronger adoption, with penetration increasing from 16.8 per cent to 24.1 per cent during the same timeframe. As of September 2026, the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) reported that electric two-wheeler penetration stood at 11.58 per cent, reflecting ongoing growth in this segment.

Furthermore, BCG estimates that approximately 180,000 new consumers entered the electric two-wheeler market each month during FY27 up to August 2026. This trend illustrates a significant shift towards electric mobility among Indian consumers.

Improved consumer perceptions regarding electric two-wheelers are a crucial factor contributing to this rising interest. For instance, the proportion of consumers in the ‘Convenience Above All’ segment who associate electric two-wheelers with good aesthetics jumped from 30 per cent in 2024 to 59 per cent in 2026. Similarly, perceptions of good pickup improved from 27 per cent to 48 per cent.

Shifting Mobility Needs and Market Opportunities

BCG’s research, which involved 1,600 current and prospective two-wheeler consumers, highlights ten distinct demand spaces influenced by travel purpose, distance, and usage patterns, rather than traditional demographic categories. Two new segments have emerged since 2024: ‘Trip Maximizers,’ which includes full-time quick-commerce and food-delivery riders prioritising affordability and speed, and ‘Reliable yet Refined,’ targeting non-metro Gen Z commuters seeking dependable vehicles for challenging road conditions.

The report indicates that India’s quick-commerce market has grown at a CAGR of 120 per cent between 2022 and 2025, expanding from approximately $0.75 billion to $8 billion. Additionally, around 60 per cent of young semi-urban consumers are now digitally influenced when purchasing a personal vehicle, a significant increase compared to 2020.

To capitalise on this growing interest in electric two-wheelers, BCG recommends that manufacturers tailor their products and marketing strategies to meet specific mobility needs. Strengthening servicing, battery and warranty assurances, as well as resale support, will be crucial in converting consumer interest into actual purchases, particularly by addressing concerns related to range, reliability, and long-term ownership.

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