At a gathering of electric vehicle (EV) drivers outside New Delhi, an informal show of hands reveals that 100 percent of EV drivers in India are satisfied with being EV drivers. However, they are also a bit frustrated.

As the temperature rises above 30 degrees, two representatives from the Norwegian EV Association find themselves in a well-cooled room with around 30 enthusiastic EV drivers.

Most are satisfied, but there are still some challenges to being an EV driver in India.

Charging is still a bit stressful, and many complain about the multitude of different charging apps. Queuing has also started to happen at charging stations.

That sounds familiar!

The stories among EV drivers in India closely resemble the challenges Norwegian EV drivers have faced in recent years.

Rejected by the housing association

EV driver Gaurav, from a suburb outside New Delhi, explains that for the first nine months as a new EV owner, he had to argue with his housing association to install a home charging box at his parking space.

He was met with many myths and difficulties before finally securing approval to install a charging box.

It’s a story that closely resembles many stories told by elbil.no from Norway, where many members of the Norwegian EV Association have faced similar challenges.

This led the Norwegian parliament to eventually pass laws regarding the right to charge in housing associations and condominiums, and reportedly, some Indian states have the same regulations.

The importance of the consumer’s voice

“It’s important that consumers have a voice when transitioning to electric transport,” says Markus Nilsen Rotevatn.

He is project lead for the Norwegian EV Association’s international project and one of two project members visiting India.

“Countries aiming to cut emissions from the transport sector depend on people choosing EVs in the store. If we solve the frustrations of EV drivers, even more people will choose electric. That’s why it’s smart for the climate that EV drivers organize,” he says.

Source of this Article: Norwegian EV drivers’ Association.